Schwartz/Silver Architects - Shaw Center for the Arts

Schwartz/Silver Architects
Shaw Center for the Arts
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A "lantern on the levee" - a symbol of the illuminating power of the arts.

Photo © Timothy Hursley

The Shaw Center for the Arts combines the Louisiana State University Museum of Art with spaces for LSU’s studio arts programs and an important regional center for the performing arts.

The two primary public venues, the LSU Museum of Art and the performing arts theaters, form a single structure that cantilevers over the historic “Auto Hotel.” The hotel was renovated to house classrooms, art studios, curatorial spaces, and a Gallery for the LSU School of Art.

Photo © Timothy Hursley

The building, clad in channel glass and aluminium, seems to glow at night; serving both as a metaphor for a revitalized urban district and a "lantern on the levee."

Photo © Timothy Hursley

The glazed 65-feet tall main lobby connects the museum with the theater complex and the spaces within the Auto Hotel.

Photo © Timothy Hursley

The different textures and materials used in the design of the plaza, combined with the two interactive fountains, emphasizes the connection with the downtown area.

Photo © Schwartz/Silver Architects

Two paved terraces on top the buildings provide views over the levee to the Mississippi River and the Old State Capital building Museum.

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Several older buildings on the site were preserved, providing space for restaurants, retail uses, and offices, serving as a counterpoint to the dramatic new structure.
The complex has already begun to spur the redevelopment of downtown Baton Rouge by creating a destination, reenergizing the surrounding blocks with new buildings and uses, and bringing a sense of excitement to the city.

Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects
Plaza Level Plan

Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects
Level 2 Plan

Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects
Level 4 Plan

Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects
Roof Level Plan

Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects
Section

Total area: 125,500 square feet
Completed: March 2005

Photographed by Timothy Hursley

Client: The Shaw Center, LLC
Design Architects: Schwartz/Silver Architects
Executive Architects: Eskew + Dumez + Ripple
Associated Architects: Jerry M. Campbell & Associates

July 24, 2006





				Features
		Schwartz/Silver Architects Shaw Center for the Arts Baton Rouge, Louisiana A "lantern on the levee" - a symbol of the illuminating power of the arts. Photo © Timothy Hursley The Shaw Center for the Arts combines the Louisiana State University Museum of Art with spaces for LSU’s studio arts programs and an important regional center for the performing arts. The two primary public venues, the LSU Museum of Art and the performing arts theaters, form a single structure that cantilevers over the historic “Auto Hotel.” The hotel was renovated to house classrooms, art studios, curatorial spaces, and a Gallery for the LSU School of Art. Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley The building, clad in channel glass and aluminium, seems to glow at night; serving both as a metaphor for a revitalized urban district and a "lantern on the levee." Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley The glazed 65-feet tall main lobby connects the museum with the theater complex and the spaces within the Auto Hotel. Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley Photo © Timothy Hursley The different textures and materials used in the design of the plaza, combined with the two interactive fountains, emphasizes the connection with the downtown area. Photo © Schwartz/Silver Architects Photo © Schwartz/Silver Architects Two paved terraces on top the buildings provide views over the levee to the Mississippi River and the Old State Capital building Museum. Photo © Timothy Hursley Several older buildings on the site were preserved, providing space for restaurants, retail uses, and offices, serving as a counterpoint to the dramatic new structure. The complex has already begun to spur the redevelopment of downtown Baton Rouge by creating a destination, reenergizing the surrounding blocks with new buildings and uses, and bringing a sense of excitement to the city. Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects Plaza Level Plan Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects Level 2 Plan Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects Level 4 Plan Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects Roof Level Plan Drawing courtesy Schwartz/Silver Architects Section Total area: 125,500 square feet Completed: March 2005 Photographed by Timothy Hursley Client: The Shaw Center, LLC Design Architects: Schwartz/Silver Architects Executive Architects: Eskew + Dumez + Ripple Associated Architects: Jerry M. Campbell & Associates July 24, 2006