Ban’s concept revolves around the interplay between light and materiality. The permeable structure permits natural light to seep through the facade, gently blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Inside, the exhibition rooms are bathed in indirect illumination, enhancing the visitor experience while protecting the artworks from direct sunlight. The building also incorporates the “thermo” principle, where transitional spaces safeguard the interior areas, assisting in temperature control and encouraging natural airflow. This design strategy not only boosts the museum’s energy efficiency but also maintains a continuous visual link with the surrounding landscape, highlighting the harmony between art, architecture, and nature.
The exterior lattice is clad in Parklex Prodema’s wood facade panels, crafted from natural timber. These materials demonstrate exceptional durability against the region’s harsh weather conditions and require no upkeep. After ten years of enduring Aspen’s severe winters, the wood has proven its resilience, preserving its original aesthetics. The collaboration with Parklex Prodema was vital to the success of the project. The architectural team engaged closely with the company to construct a full-scale model of the exterior wood cladding prior to building, allowing for optimized material utilization and ensuring the museum exemplifies sustainability and thoughtful design