Michigan State University
Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, known for the “unbuildable” building, Michigan State University’s Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum pushed architectural boundaries and challenged conventional construction. Constructed of sloped steel and concrete with a pleated metal and glass exterior, carefully piecing together dynamic dimensions and non-traditional materials challenged the team from the very beginning.
The structural system is a hybrid of steel framing and concrete shear and bearing walls. Iconic and innovative, crafting this complex architecture to life while maintaining design intent came with numerous challenges. Barton Malow provided construction management services for the 46,000 SF facility that includes over 20,000 SF of gallery space on the MSU campus in East Lansing, Michigan.
Given the unique design, Barton Malow carried out an exceptional preconstruction effort to source materials and ensure constructability. Throughout the development of the design and modeling process, successful BIM integration processes were performed, where information was extracted from the collaborative design model for interactive estimating, value engineering, schedule productivity, and design-assist interface. The project team overcame several challenges, including budget, making the complex concept buildable through construction innovation, and using conventional materials in non-conventional ways. Amid a busy university campus, extra measures were taken to ensure a safe site, and the museum was completed with an exemplary safety record. The construction project had a significant community impact, including utilizing the local workforce, supporting MSU’s education mission, and creating minimal disruption on campus.
On the banks of the Red Cedar and nestled among the ivy-colored halls of Michigan State University stands the building that many deemed “unbuildable.” Learn more about the unique design and challenging construction of the MSU Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.
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Broad Art Museum wins AGC Build America Merit Award
Overall Project of the Year for 2013
LEED Silver Certification earned
Broad Art Museum wins AGC Build America Merit Award
Overall Project of the Year for 2013
LEED Silver Certification earned
The structural system is a hybrid of steel framing and concrete shear and bearing walls - all leaning at different angles.
The 46,000-SF facility houses a collection of 7,500 objects from the Greek and Roman periods through the Renaissance and Modern era as well as new work, making it an active player in the arts world.
In addition to gallery space, the museum includes an education wing, museum shop, visitors' cafe, staff offices, and study center.
