The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has used a “beautiful ruin” built in 1886 to carve out some space for a new generation. The space is called MuseumLab, where kids 10 and over can explore funky art installations, weave on a loom, sew a sneaker, emboss metal and even “hang around” on a three-story art piece made with rope woven around the framework of the steel bookshelves of this former library.
The design team, which included Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Iams Consulting and lighting designer Lam Partners, brought this late 19th century building up to date for today’s inquiring young minds.
Photos: Courtesy of Spectrum
LED track lighting from Spectrum reveals much of the original archways, columns and mosaic floors. Two types of track fixtures offered CRIs of 83 and 89 and quick-twist optics for field adjustment.
Photos: Courtesy of Spectrum
This Spectrum Schoolhouse shade has a classic RLM look and was utilized in the open space foyer and pendant-mounted for stability. Photos: Courtesy of Spectrum
Labs and classrooms are outfitted with 22-in. aluminum high bays selected for their clean, smooth lines on the housing, and the industrial feel they bring to the open ceiling area.
Photos: Courtesy of Spectrum
In the “Chromatic Passage,” RLM luminaires on exposed brick walls add to the industrial motif.
Photos: Courtesy of Spectrum
