Musical Instrument Museum Masterplan
Music is the language of the soul
Located in the northern Phoenix desert and part of the emerging Desert Ridge development, the Musical Instrument Museum master plan addresses a multitude of issues. Modern massing and a mix of simple forms recalls the mountainous desert landscape. The solid volumes of the galleries and theater form a wall against the harsh desert climate, penetrated by courtyards that invite patrons to enter the museum and partake in a wide spectrum of musical performances. The central circulation space, which cuts north-south through the solid masses of the museum, acts as the primary organizing element. It gracefully connects the theater, galleries and courtyards. The intentional simplicity contrasts with the vast complexity of the musical instruments contained within the galleries.
Sustainable features include the use of an exterior sun screen wall application for the stone, the use sustainable materials in the interior, the use of fly ash in the concrete, 25,000 SF of photovoltaic solar panels on the second-story roof areas, a chemical-free chilled water system, a grey water irrigation system, recycling of waste construction materials, extensive xeriscaping and sophisticated mechanical systems to maintain stringent temperature and humidity levels for the instruments.
The project was named the 2010 Best of NAIOP Economic Project of the Year.
