Chihuly exhibition - Seattle, WA
ORA collaborated with Chihuly Studio and the Space Needle to propose to transform the Fun Forest at Seattle Center into a dramatic new exhibition space and art garden featuring the artwork of internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly.  In addition to being the most comprehensive exhibit to date of Chihuly’s artwork, the project will provide an educational forum for visitors to learn about the creative process.   The project includes: 12,500sf  interior exhibition space, a 3,800sf glass-house exhibit space, a 19,000sf art garden, a 4,800 sf exterior art plaza, 4,000sf of public retail and cafe spaces, and exterior café dining spaces adjoining the Art Garden and the Center House forecourt.  The project will also include a new children's play ground designed by local artists called Artists at Play.

Notable sustainable design features include green-wall and green roof elements,  natural ventilation, and transformation of 30,000sf of asphalt paving into an art garden space featuring rain gardens, pervious paving, and extensive new tree plantings.  The team is working closely with the Seattle Center and landscape architect Richard Hartlage of AHBL to assure that the projects expresses the principles and vision of the Century 21 Master Plan.  The project creates a dramatic new campus gateway for visitors from the south, enhances the pedestrian experience on all sides, and knits the project into the surrounding Seattle Center campus.   The existing Fun Forest arcade building is radically transformed, with highly transparent and accessible public spaces along the north and south sides, a new green wall on the east face, adjoining the art garden.   The northwest café entry creates a strong connection with the Center House forecourt, and the west side of the existing building is treated with new evergreen screening to create an enhanced backdrop for the Horiuchi Mural Stage.

image credits: studio 216, owen richards architects