UT Blanton Museum of Art
Austin, Texas
Architexas was hired by the University of Texas at Austin’s Blanton Museum of Art to help unify and revitalize the museum’s 200,000 square foot campus, comprised of two buildings and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin. The Blanton retained international firm Snøhetta to complete a new plaza design that will anchor the new Texas State Capitol pedestrian mall. Snøhetta created fifteen petal-shaped structures that frame Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin and the Texas State Capitol.
This shade canopy generates a dappled light effect during the day and is illuminated at night, creating a one-of-a-kind visual marker for the Blanton. Additionally, several architectural and landscape improvements were made, including; renovated lobbies, landscaped pathway, visitor drop-off, art installations, and an outdoor cafe.
Throughout the museum walkways and gardens, more than 25,000 new plants were added, 95% of which are native to the state. The design’s focus on sustainability were developed with an eye toward SITES certification. As architect of record, Architexas lead a team with numerous consultants to successfully realize Snøhetta’s design.
