UW - Milwaukee Art History Gallery

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN -- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Art History Gallery project created a conceptual design for a complete renovation of the existing gallery space along with additional functional program area. The design concept exposes the high concrete ceilings, includes polished concrete floors, and uses simple backdrops with dramatic lighting effects to showcase the department’s extensive collection. Rinka Chung Architecture worked with the department to reconfigure the available space, generate project programs and budgets, and produce compelling visuals for project fundraising.

The reconfiguration employs an efficient planning strategy to accommodate the addition of new program to an existing framework. A new art gallery and vestibule are the main showpieces of the project. Additionally, new art storage, a seminar room, and work room are to be implemented within the existing floor plan. Regularizing room layouts and circulation to and from adjacent spaces achieved maximum efficiency in order to meet the necessary program initiatives.