This is a first-prize entry of a design competition that was held by the Sammon Art Center.
At the time, Khang Nguyen and Nima Malek was studying in graduate school at UTA. The competition was seeking design solutions to expand the Sammon Center facility.
Their design concept was based on the original history of the Sammon Center and how a later-built highway had cut off a part of the building. To address this issue, they proposed expanding the building by restoring the missing portion that had been cut off by the highway years ago. This would create a more cohesive and integrated building design that takes into account the historical context of the site.
In addition to the restoration concept, the design was influenced by the fact that the Art Center had previously been a pump station. Khang proposed using pipes as louvers to provide sun shading for the glass and to tie the new extension with the existing building. This design element not only provides functional benefits but also adds an interesting visual element to the building's facade.
Overall, the design concept aimed to create a cohesive and integrated building design that takes into account the historical context of the site while also incorporating functional elements to enhance the building's usability.