Core Design Team

Firm: LMN Architects
Yomi Adeyemi, Associate AIA
Aaron Argyle, Associate AIA
Henry Butitta
Michael Day
Melissa Eby
Tiffani Erdmanczyk
Anya Fiechtl, AIA
Mette Greenshields, AIA
Joanne Koola
Mark Lo
Samuel Miller, FAIA
Lori Naig
Lauren Patnoe
Wendy Pautz, FAIA
Francene Ray
Ayako Sakurai
Jeremy Schoenfeld, AIA
Kathy Stallings, AIA
Jennifer Tamblin
Pamela Trevithick, AIA
Paulina Wilkowska
John Woloszyn, AIA

Consultants/Collaborators

Structural Engineer: Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Civil Engineer: Coughlin Porter Lundeen
General Contractor: BNBuilders
Landscape Architect: Walker Macy
Lighting Design: Fisher Marantz Stone
MEP Engineer: Rushing Company
Electrical: Stantec
Envelope Consultant: RDH Building Science, Inc.
Historic Preservation Consultant: BOLA Architecture and Planning
Owner’s Representative: OAC Services, Inc.

Project Narrative

A treasured historic building in a landmarked Olmstead designed city park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum’s expansion and renovation inaugurates a new era for one of the few museums in North America dedicated exclusively to Asian art. The project marks the first substantial renovation of the landmarked, Art Deco building since its construction in 1933. The expansion and renovation restored the historic structure, modernized the original galleries, and added a new gallery, education space, conservation lab, and community art gallery. The project preserves the building’s architectural legacy while enhancing the museum’s capacity to support its growing collections and fosters a more inclusive relationship with the Seattle community.

The expansion and renovation focused on recapturing the essential character of the historic building and complementing it with a new, contemporary addition, compatible with the historic structure. The modern addition enhances the Fuller Garden Court, the historic building’s central hub, and provides access to galleries from multiple points. This is accomplished by the introduction of two new portals connected to a new Park Lobby, providing an additional access path through the new gallery. The historic entry, Fuller Garden Court, and the Park Lobby create a circulation spine with views of the park to the east and the west, rejuvenating the building’s connection to the park and the community.

Visual connection to the park setting and natural daylight from skylights and windows in the galleries and entry lobby were the cornerstones of the original building design. Over time, building additions eliminated many of the original perimeter windows and skylights were covered due to UV concerns, impacting the originally intended experience of the museum. The renovation restored the important quality of daylight and views by reintroducing overhead illumination in the octagonal galleries appropriate for the art and replacing clear glazing in the entry lobby. The new Park Lobby takes it a step further and maximizes the connection of the building to the historic park.

Built in 1933 during the Depression, the museum incorporated economical materials. Scagliola replaced stone and a unique application of engineered hardboard was used instead of wood flooring. Technical solutions to restore these materials retained the distinctive materials and features of the historic structure. Replacement of the museum’s original mechanical system and other building infrastructure introduced a level of environmental control not found in the original building, allowing the museum to host traveling exhibits and preserve the integrity of the collections.

The updated and expanded museum allows for the exhibition of art that has never been on view before and supports a significant recent focus on acquisitions of historic, modern, and contemporary Asian Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian art. The renovation and expansion create the opportunity for the museum to honor its mission, tell new stories about Asian art amid changing definitions of Asia in the 21st century, and increase the connection between Asian art and the multi-cultural community within the Pacific Northwest.