― Museums
Designing places to imagine, learn, empathise, and be entertained
Contents
About Us ― 4 Introduction ― 10 Selected Projects ― 1 4
Front Cover: Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum, Shanghai, China Left: National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, Georgia
Since 1935, we’ve believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place.
―Our London Studio
Who we are
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About Us
Welcome to our London Studio
London has long been considered the design capital of the world, and our studio is perfectly placed in the heart of the action. Sitting at the boundary between the fast-paced City of London and the eclectic melting pot of the East, our studio is a microcosm of the city itself. We bring the energy and flair of London through our doors—it’s a place where diversity thrives, collaboration is key, and design excellence leads the way.
In 2019, award winning architecture firm Penoyre & Prasad joined Perkns&Will as a studio of the London office. We also collaborate with our sister company, branding and experience design studio Portland.
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About Us
“We are curious, experimental and we place research and knowledge sharing at the heart of our design practice. We believe true, meaningful innovation is achieved when the power of imagination is combined with robust technical expertise, in depth knowledge and the support of the latest technologies.” ― MIJAIL GUTIERREZ, PRINCIPAL
← You see work everywhere and our people love having spaces to collaborate, think and create.
→ The model shop is located in the visitor area behind a fully glazed wall, exposing and showcasing our design processes through the use of physical modelmaking.
― Museums
Context is everything The most successful museums welcome multiple stories that create space for meaningful dialogue, turning treasured collections into relational objects for discussion or even provocation. Now more than ever, it is incumbent upon your staff, thought leaders, and design team to engage increasingly diverse communities not only to co-create the institution, but also to sustain its lifeblood of ongoing public engagement.
Museums
Museums of the future will not resemble museums of the past.
We have seen museums evolve away from collectionfocused repositories and more toward experiencebased venues which incorporate sophisticated pedagogical strategies. We envision museums not only as institutions that actively collect and preserve our material culture, but also as incubators of social and intellectual discourse. We believe that the building form and exhibits should be developed simultaneously to create a seamless visitor experience. As such, our museum designs are idea driven, integrating content with architecture. The visitor experience often begins well before entering the front door – conveying the unique story of each institution.
↑ Our museum designs are vibrant expressions of the human spirit that connect us all. By using space, form, and material we choreograph the experiences that intersect with compelling stories in ever changing ways.
← Just as the museum frames the art within, it holds great potential to frame an experience of the surrounding context.
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― Museums
Selected Projects
Mary Rose Museum Portsmouth, United Kingdom Client: Mary Rose Trust Size: 48,000 square feet (4,527 square metres) Completion Date: 2016 Awards: Winner, Inside Awards, Civic, Culture & Transport World Architecture Forum, 2017 Winner, Royal Institute of British Architects South Regional Award, 2014 Winner, Royal Institute of British Architects South National Award, 2014 Winner, Michael Middleton Special Award, Civic Trust, 2014 Winner, Project of the Year, Building Magazine, 2014 Winner, Design through Innovation, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Southeast, 2014 Winner, Best Public Building, Lighting Design Awards, 2014 Winner, Public Space of the Year, Society of British International Design, 2014 Winner, Restoration or Conservation, Museums and Heritage Award, 2014 Winner, Solent Design Award, People’s Choice Award, 2014 Winner, Building Magazine, Building Awards Project of the Year, 2014 Winner, Portsmouth Society Design Awards, Best New Building, 2014 Winner, Society of British Interior Design International Design Awards, Public Space, 2014
― WHAT IT IS
The Mary Rose ship is the English Pompeii, preserved by water, not fire. All Tudor life is there.
“The museum is an astonishing resource for the world to learn about the Tudors and a centre of excellence for maritime archaeology and conservation. It is a testament to all those who worked so hard on this remarkable [42] year project to locate, salvage and conserve the ship and her contents.” John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust
Mary Rose Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
A time capsule, larger on the inside than outside, that transports visitors back to the 16th century and on board Henry VIII’s favourite ship.
↑ A truly unique design reveals the secrets of the famous Tudor ship, marking 30 years since the hull of Mary Rose was raised from the Solent where she lay undiscovered for 437 years. Wilkinson Eyre was the architect for the exterior and shell and core.
Mary Rose Museum
← The atmosphere of being on the ship is enhanced by the walkways that follow the shape of the deck from stern to bow and low ceilings on the lower deck. The Museum spaces are deliberately dark with all daylight excluded and the only lighting either focused on the objects or concealed under the walkway handrail, lighting the space and re-creating the dark claustrophobic spaces below decks.
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The Curtain Exhibition Space London, United Kingdom Client: The Stage Shoreditch Development Ltd (Cainhoy, Vanke, McCourt Global) Size: 2.5 acres site The Curtain Theatre exhibition space is at the heart of the 1.1 acre of public space 38 storey/400 unit residential tower 300,000 square feet of commercial space / 27,870 square metres 63,800 square feet of retail / 5,900 square metres Completion Date: Ongoing Sustainability: BREEAM Excellent
― WHAT IT IS
Mixed use cluster connected by a piazza that celebrates the cultural importance of Shakespeare and the distinctive style in Shoreditch.
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↑Stage wall location - movable wall outside the stage ↓ Movable wall outside the stage with AV projection
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The Curtain Exhibition Space
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
A world class destination set in the globally significant site of one of Shakespeare’s earliest theatres.
↑ The Stage will feature a fully-preserved heritage centre displaying the remains of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre, which was discovered during an excavation of the site.
← View of the stage from the seating area
↓ Visual showing the look and feel of the exit from the exhibition space and shop
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The Museum of Winchester Winchester, England Client: Hampshire Cultural Trust Size: 5,740 square metres Completion Date: Ongoing
― OUR BRIEF
Creating a new museum exploring the Anglo-Saxon world and the origins of England.
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The museum will become a hub linking all the historical sites of the area with state of the art immersive and interactive technologies and high quality digital reproductions.
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The Museum of Winchester
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
A design intended to act as a catalyst, drawing people to the city, rich with heritage and culture.
― ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The museum will combine the stories of King Alfred and the Anglo-Saxon Royal City and later Norman buildings together with the English Project and Centre for English Identity.
Newport Medieval Ship Museum Newport, Wales Client: Friends of the Newport Ship Completion Date: Ongoing
― WHAT IT IS
A historic ship discovered in the banks of the River Usk in June 2002 during construction of the Riverfront Theatre.
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Newport Medieval Ship Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The ship was excavated by a team of archaeologists and lifted from the ground timber by timber.
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― HISTORIC RELEVANCE
The remains of the 15th Century ship represent an important period in navigation and trade between Newport, Bristol and the Atlantic coast of the Iberian peninsula.
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The Museum of Islam Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Client: Jabal Omar Development Co. Size: 4,600 square metres Completion Date: Ongoing
― WHAT IT IS
The new museum seeks to create a unique and innovative experience for visitors, enabling them to explore and better understand Islam.
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The Museum of Islam
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The museum will communicate a range of fascinating themes using cutting-edge experiential technologies, and to place visitors into an environment evoking Mecca and Medina during the time of the Prophet.
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Gregg Museum of Art and Design Raleigh, North Carolina, United States Client: North Carolina State University Size: 25,127 square feet (2,334 square metres) Completion Date: 2017 Awards: Honor Award, AIA Southeast Region, 2019 Honor Award, AIA North Carolina, 2018 Honor Award, AIA Triangle, 2018 Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Community Appearance, 2018
― WHAT IT IS
An environmentally sustainable art and design teaching museum that interweaves collection, architecture, and place.
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Gregg Museum of Art and Design
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The Gregg carefully balances maximum flexibility with a unique sense of place.
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Gregg Museum of Art and Design
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The design began with this simple question: What secret histories are stored in the file drawers of beloved architecture?
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National Center for Civil and Human Rights Atlanta, Georgia, United States Client: National Center for Civil and Human Rights Size: 42,500 square feet (3,948 square metres) Completion Date: 2014 Sustainability: LEED Gold Awards: Engineering Excellence, American Council of Engineering Companies, 2016 AIA Georgia Honor Award, 2015 Atlanta Development of Excellence Award, Urban Land Institute, 2014 Award for Economic and Community Improvement, Commercial Real Estate Women of Atlanta, 2014 #2 Atlanta’s Top 25 Designs from the Past 25 Years, Museum of Design Atlanta, 2014 AIA Merit Award, Unbuilt Category, 2009
― WHAT IT IS
A Center devoted to ongoing Civil Rights and Human Rights nationally and globally.
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National Center for Civil and Human Rights
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
A living institution for local, national, and international conversations and actions on human rights issues.
― WHAT MAKES IT COOL
Driving the design of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is the concept of creating a Space for Action
National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C., United States Client: Smithsonian Institution Size: 397,000 square feet (36,882 square metres) Completion Date: 2106 Awards: Beazley Design of the Year, London Design Museum, 2018 Public/Civic Design Award, Contract Magazine, 2018 Best in Competition, AIA New York, 2018 Award of Excellence in Architecture, AIA DC, 2017 Merit Award, AIA North Carolina, 2017 Building Team Gold Award, Building Design + Construction, 2017 Partners: Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR
― WHAT IT IS
The only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.
The National Museum is the result of a decades-long journey toward the commemoration of black history and culture. The building, located on the National Mall, establishes a strong connection to both its unique site and America’s long-standing and often overlooked African American heritage.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The museum’s circular water cascade and other “invisible” technologies allow for an emotionally refreshing experience.
A Casa Museum São Paulo, Brazil Client: A Casa Size: 11,733 square feet (1,090 square metres) Completion Date: 2014 Partners: Isabel Duprat, CPA Engenharia, Arkos Brasil, Plan Metal, Miaki, Lit, Alwitra Brasil, Uniflex, Terreal, Microcimento and Top Seal
― WHAT IT IS
A museum dedicated to exhibitions about Brazilian handcraft work.
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A Casa Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The museum’s façade refers to basketry art - an architectural reading of Brazil’s most popular culture expression form.
A Casa Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
Art expert Renata Mellão transformed her own house into a museum dedicated to Brazilian artisanship.
Shanghai Natural History Museum Shanghai, China Client: Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Size: 484,376 square feet (45,000 square metres) Completion Date: 2015 Awards: Divine Detail Honor Award, AIA Chicago, 2015 Community Future Award, Dubai Cityscape, 2010 Highly Commended, Environmental Award, Dubai Cityscape, 2010
Inspired by man’s relationship with nature, every part of the museum is open to human interaction, including the green roof that rises up the path. Natural light pours in from all sides, breathing life and soul into the exhibits and the spaces they occupy.
Shanghai Natural History Museum
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The museum spirals out of the ground and becomes an integral part of the park.
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Shanghai Natural History Museum
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The “Cell Wall” is the iconic feature of the Shanghai Nature Museum. It is comprised of three layers, each with its own unique geometrical pattern. 69
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Shanghai Natural History Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT COOL
The museum has a collection of 240,000 samples, including over 62,000 pieces of animal specimens.
Museum of Design Atlanta (MoDA) Atlanta, Georgia, United States Client: Museum of Design Atlanta Size: 10,000 square feet (929 square metres) Completion Date: 2010 Sustainability: LEED Platinum®
― WHAT IT IS
The museum is a vibrant storefront that is frequently curated to reflect the current exhibits inside.
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Museum of Design Atlanta (MoDA)
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
Placed in direct proximity to the High Museum of Art and Woodruff Arts Center, the museum is part of Atlanta’s vibrant Arts District. 75
Suzhou Science and Technology Museum Suzhou, China Client: City of Suzhou Size: 600,000 square feet (55,742 square metres) Completion Date: 2022
― WHAT IT IS
Contextual museum design celebrating the innovation and technology of Chinese culture.
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Suzhou Science and Technology Museum
― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
Building appears to float effortlessly above Shishan lake and provides breathtaking views back toward Lion Mountain.
Suzhou Science and Technology Museum
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
High tech building skin, recalls luminous quality of the silk fabric, which Suzhou is known for.
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Bell Museum and Planetarium St. Paul, Minnesota, United States Client: University Of Minnesota Size: 89,860 square feet (8,348 square metres) Completion Date: 2017 Awards: FAB Award Civic and Community Design Excellence, IIDA Northland, 2019 Engineering Excellence Award, American Council of Engineering, 2019 Excellence in Concrete & Masonry Design, Concrete Commercial Innovative & Decorative, Minnesota Concrete & Masonry Contractors Association, 2019 Top Projects of 2018, Finance & Commerce, 2018 National Design Award, Society of American Registered Architects, 2018 Most Notable Museums Opening This Year, Architectural Digest, 2018 TEKNE Award - Building Design & Infrastructure, Minnesota High Tech Association, 2017
― WHAT IT IS
An imaginative museum showcasing the University’s reputation for innovative research, education, and public engagement.
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Bell Museum and Planetarium
― WHAT MAKES IT COOL
Idea-driven design rooted in mission, content, and resources of the ultrasustainable museum.
― WHAT MAKES IT COOL
Driving the design of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is the concept of creating a Space for Action
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum New York, New York, United States Client: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Size: 39,000 square feet (3,623 square metres) Completion Date: 2008 Awards: Devine Detail Citation of Merit AIA, Chicago, 2010 Interior Architecture Citation of Merit, AIA, Chicago, 2009
― WHAT IT IS
An iconic cultural institution and vital component of New York city’s tourist and educational landscape.
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Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
This experiential system’s aesthetic was sympathetic to the ship’s environment.
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Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) San Francisco, California, United States Client:Museum of the African Diaspora Size: 20,000 square feet (1,858 square metres) Completion Date: 2005 Awards: AIA South Atlantic Region Merit Award, 2006 AIA North Carolina Honor Award,2006 National Organization of Minority Architects Design Award, 2006
― WHAT IT IS
The museum is a collection of disparate voices, histories, and traditions that tell the story of the African Diaspora.
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Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The façade features a monumental image of hope as seen through the innocent eyes of an African child.
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Motown Museum Detroit, Michigan, United States Client: City of Detroit Size: 50,000 square feet (4,645 square metres) Completion Date: 2020
― WHAT IT IS
The new Motown Museum is designed and built around the cherished Hitsville U.S.A. house.
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Motown Museum
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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE
The museum’s vision is to inspire dreams and serve as an educational resource for global and local communities.
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The White Chapel Building 10 Whitechapel High Street London, E1 8QS