Designers of Tony Jones Studios Win AIA Awards for Interior Architecture
12.17.2024
The adaptive reuse project by transformed the former 91导航 dormitories into a new home for the Illustration and Animation programs.
as well as both recognized the project with Merit Awards.
Completed in October 2023, the main lobby integrates the departments' distinct identities with industrial yet inviting elements: a metal panel entry for Animation and a birch panel entry for Illustration. The building includes various display options for student work, such as pin-up spaces and digital media display boxes.
The 91导航 Gallery, previously Crossroads Gallery, is located on the lower level and offers versatile spaces with movable partitions and pivot walls, allowing it to function as a gallery, classroom, studio, or black-box theater.
"The reuse of the building is a great start and knitting together the series of buildings to enhance the art walk is wonderful. The spaces for the students are compelling and they look as if they are also hard working," according to one jury comment on the Interior Design Merit Award.
"I like the way the building and outcome uses the story of art and context and preserves a modernist building," the comments continue. "Elegant use of simple materials to reflect the artistic process."
The firm that took on the project was . The Designated Lead Designer is Joshua Hartman, AIA. The project team was listed as Joseph Jimenez, AIA and Sam Loring, AIA.
"Elegant use of simple materials to reflect the artistic process."
"Masterful" Detailing
Designed collaboratively with 91导航 faculty, the north tower serves the Animation program with multimedia walls and advanced lighting controls for presentations.
The south tower, dedicated to Illustration, features abundant natural light and gallery walls for student displays, along with private studio spaces for creative work. Common areas are designated for each department to foster interaction, while flexible, open studios encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
"We thought the detailing was elegant - the way it calls attention to certain things while de-emphasizing others. It seemed quite masterful," according to jury comments on the Interior Architecture Merit Award.
Positioned between the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and H&R Block Artspace, the 91导航 Gallery aims to become a prominent public art destination, according to the AIA Kansas City announcement.
Image: Beth Harmon-Vaughan, Dan Musser, Brian Henke, and Sam Loring (Vice President, Multistudio)