CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

The concept of the project is to connect two opposite conditions that make up Las Vegas and explore the transition that occurs between them. The first condition represents the loud and active lifestyle of the strip, while the second condition characterizes the quiet and calm of the residential areas. These two conditions are shown both formally and programmatically in the Museum.

As you enter the building through the exaggerated spaces, you find yourself on the ground floor which makes up the ‘loud’ part of the building. If you choose to explore this floor, you will find program spaces such as the café, auditorium, classrooms, banquet hall and outdoor seating areas. If you choose to go straight to the museum galleries, then as you enter from the main entrance where the reception is located, you will see a marble grand staircase transitioning you to the ‘quiet’ part of the building. Here you can enjoy walking through the gallery exhibition spaces, while concentrating only on the art. After exploring the three floors of artwork, you reach the end destination of the rooftop where you are once again reminded of where you are in Las Vegas, and can enjoy the wonderful view of the site.

Another important aspect of the project is extending Symphony Park by creating a void through the building as an extension of the outdoor public park environment. This void can continue to future projects, which are located along the site of where the project is located in. This way the museum invites a wide range of diversity and aims to bring together everyone from all over the world, to enjoy the variety of activities taking place.

Christina Hacopian, Linet Ghukasyan