LOCATION
Lincoln, Nebraska

AREA
12,000 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This University of Nebraska—Lincoln project provided a 3-story addition to the 36,000-square-foot existing building designed by Robert A.M. Stern and Alvine Engineering. The addition allows the LEED Silver world-recognized Quilt Center to further its mission through an increase in public exhibition spaces, as well as additional storage and collection support spaces. The addition was intricately designed from an architectural standpoint to mimic a quilt making pattern on the exterior and on the interior to blend new spaces seamlessly with the existing, to provide a cohesive, unified experience by all users of the building.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Maintained all aspects of the energy efficiency achieved in the original project through the LEED Silver certification.
• Additional VAV HVAC systems were added to serve the added spaces, as well as extensions of lighting, power, and fire sprinkler systems.
• Alvine Engineering provided consulting services for the design of the low voltage systems for the building and expansion.
• Video surveillance and access control were designed in close coordination with the UNL standards and the needs of the museum space.
• Audiovisual system consisting of sound reinforcement and strategically located video displays all intended to reinforce the message of the museum.
• Acoustics analysis helped to provide recommendations for acoustical environments and construction materials that will enhance the programmed functions museum.
• Developed mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to accommodate approximately a 35% increase in square footage of the building while the existing building remained operational.
• Expanded and integrated life safety systems to the new area to ensure the building operates as a unified complex.
• Construction phasing was integrated into the design documents.
• Emergency power and chiller were upgraded while maintaining both throughout construction.

Learn more about projects similar to the International Quilt Study Center by viewing our entertainment/performing arts portfolio.

Exterior Photography credit: Peter Aaron/Esto.
Interior Photography credit: Erik Stenbakken