historic institutional design project

The Monroe Abbey, formerly known as Phoenix First Baptist Church, has had long 100 year history which is significant in the relatively young city of Phoenix. The First Baptist Church occupied this building for only 38 of those years, and after the congregation left, the site was left empty for decades. In this time it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and about two years later in 1984, there was a fire which consumed the roof. As a result, for the last nearly 40 years the central auditorium of the Abbey has been left exposed to the natural elements.

Following the fire, the former First Baptist Church has taken on a new identity, and it has become what we now know as the Monroe Abbey. This allows for an entirely new purpose and vision to be brought to this space. Situated right in Downtown Phoenix, the Monroe Abbey is surrounded by a wealth of vibrant art, culture, and people.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, is “a place where children play to learn, and grown-ups learn to play.” Your exhibit spaces and programs put an emphasis on nurturing the many developmental stages of children: social, cognitive, physical, and emotional. The Museum is a place that intertwines playing with learning in a unique environment that can help children learn about themselves, the world, and their community.

Our primary goal is to build a strong connection with the Children’s Museum by utilizing the idea of exploration as one of guiding principles. Through exploration users will be able to explore different art principles and immerse themselves in a space that encourages unlimited creativity. Your biggest drivers include a strong community connection, sustainable principles, and an all-inclusive environment that engages with those of all ages. We intend to promote these principles by creating a space that is able to draw people in from the inner Phoenix community, as well as from all over.

Sustainability Community Inclusivity

Designing with sustainable practices in mind to enhance the environmental quality of the space.

Providing a communal space that welcomes all. Accessible design principles that make the space enjoyable for all.

Through the local expressions of Downtown Phoenix in both the natural and built environments, this concept bridges the historic site with the present day. It also connects young explorers to their community through a focus on public art.

Color

Designing with sustainable practices in mind to enhance the environmental quality of the space.

Creating forms that reflect the contemporary art movement in Downtown Phoenix.

Artistic Expression Locality

A design that is characteristically unique to Downtown Phoenix.

Community Connection

Providing a communal space that welcomes all and brings people together.

Inclusivity

Accessible design principles that make the space enjoyable for all.

Exploration of the city of Phoenix through art locality, and the people.

Seeing the courtyard as a central part of the building, our team sought to make it a crucial piece to the plan and the movement of the space. We developed a structural component that serves as circulation from the first level to the fourth that focuses on accessibility. It will also be a sculptural piece that ties into the concept of artistic expression.

Our team also felt that keeping the integrity of the historic layout of the building was paramount. We drew our new spaces within the parameters of the existing walls and kept the entrance of the building in the same place. We also developed an open cafe dining space that celebrates the rose window, which was a source of inspiration for the courtyard component.

Since we are a firm that puts a large emphasis on community, we planned for as much public space as we could. We also incorporated several areas for community engagement that were inspired by the concept, hence the art gallery and community creation spaces.

We highly considered ease of access for security as a key part of the planning process. That led us to put the daycare and its classroom space on the first floor and away from the rest of the museum. It also led us to the decision to put the exhibit spaces all on the second floor. To make it easy for visitors to find restrooms we stacked them on each floor on the southeast corner, also known as the South Tower. We stacked the employee-only areas on the north side for similar ease and familiarity. We also developed the building layout in a manner that would support after-hours activities and have key security measures in place. The restrooms, leasable space, and art gallery can be open while the lobby, exhibits, daycare, offices, and other museum-specific areas are closed off.

Museum Required Areas

Storage & Back of House Community Areas

Leasable Zones

Materials

SCALE 1/16” = 1’-0”

The first level includes several points of entry, the four double doors on the front facade for visitor entry, the art gallery entry which is a public/community entrance, the storage doors for employees, and the basement level stair entry which is for employees only as well. This level has several public-facing spaces, including the lobby, art gallery, and the courtyard. The daycare and its amenities are also included on the level for ease of access.

Floor Plan Level 1

The second level contains the two exhibit spaces as well as the cafe and the first level of dining. The courtyard component links the two sides of the building to create accessibility as the west wing is about 2 feet lower than the east side. The ADA-accessible ramp makes it easy for all guests to enjoy both exhibits.

This level also has the first floor of office space which includes some desking, meeting space, a private office, a separate restroom, and a kitchenette break room.

SCALE 1/16” = 1’-0”

Floor Plan Level 2

The third level has rooftop space on the west side, which could feature a mural (see betterments section for more details). It also has a creation space which has a large wall for painting as well as other creative activities. The second level of dining is also included on this floor. This dining level features the rose window, a prominent symbol of the historic building. This floor also has a second level of offices which includes more loose desking, an open kitchenette, lockers, and more informal meeting space.

SCALE 1/16” = 1’-0”

Floor Plan Level 3

SCALE 1/16” = 1’-0”

Level 4 is the top level of habitable space. There is room for leasable space that can double as additional dining, a birthday party area, or a reception zone. Also included on this floor is an interactive area for an outdoor exhibit, a storytime area, and a quiet zone. The quiet zone is intended to be a peaceful space that can help kids calm down if they are feeling over-excited, overwhelmed, nervous, or in any way that would require them to be excused from the public areas of the building.

This floor is also great for hosting events, such as First Fridays, wedding receptions, etc. It would be a very flexible space with easily moveable furniture.

Floor Plan Level 4

The first space visitors will see is the lobby. The reception desk is centrally located with splatter paint to clearly indicate to guests where to make their first stop. The wall behind the desk is a branding moment, with a raised letter sign and tiles. The tile background was chosen to merge the brand of the museum with the history of the abbey. It is composed of an eclectic smattering of historic and recycled tiles.

Materials

Half-wrapped columns that artistically showcase the columns but also protect young children who would want to touch them

The central structure of the courtyard provides not only accessible access to the different levels but is also a communityfocused exhibit. The glass of the guardrail is a moment for guests to draw with dry-erase markers and create art for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, there are “talk tubes” which allow for communication between the levels. Kids on the third level can make friends with the kids on the second level with this interactive exhibit piece.

“Floating” circular disks at various heights that can be rotated and spun by both children and parents.

Exploratory “tubes” that include various patterns within them, creating both visual and tactile experience.

The exhibits are made to feel very exploratory and playful. The exhibit spaces also make use of different colors, shapes, textures, and tactile play elements. Children are encouraged to get “lost” in the space, while exploring someplace new. The exhibit spaces are very flexible and can be easily re-worked into new spaces depending on changes that playologists within the museum wish to make.

Materials

Ceiling trusses left exposed to allow for custom lighting features to be added to the space.

Colorful glass panels that create a maze-like navugational experience. The glass keeps the space very open, and allows for views all throughout the exhibit.