In Their Own Words

Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts

St. Louis landmark unifies art and architecture

The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts is the second building in the United States to be designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The driving force behind the Foundation is to further the understanding of the relationship between art and architecture and to help define how the setting influences the appreciation of art. As the Architect of Record, Christner was responsible for the technical design and documentation of this remarkable demonstration of Ando's signature use of concrete.

The entire building team, from owner's representative, to architects and engineers, to general contractors and subcontractors, was engaged in the process of building a structure of impeccable quality. Our role in developing the technical design and documentation and administering the construction was central to meeting the requirements of a building that relies on pure form for its serene beauty.

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Size: 27,000 sf
Status: Completed 2001
Design Architect: Tadao Ando
Architect of Record: Christner Inc.
Awards: 2003 AIA Central States Honor Award for Architecture, 2003 AIA St. Louis Honor Award for Craftsmanship, 2002 AIA St. Louis Honor Award for Architecture, 2001 Concrete Council of St. Louis ACI Concrete Award

<p>Technical execution is the hallmark of this unique structure. A grid produced by the 8' x 8' concrete forms lends an exacting geometric order to the planar surfaces.</p>

Technical execution is the hallmark of this unique structure. A grid produced by the 8' x 8' concrete forms lends an exacting geometric order to the planar surfaces.

<p>A formal spatial vocabulary and meticulously detailed and finished concrete (outside and inside) work together to create an extraordinary venue for the visual arts.</p>

A formal spatial vocabulary and meticulously detailed and finished concrete (outside and inside) work together to create an extraordinary venue for the visual arts.

<p>The 'floating' concrete roof is cantilevered 27 feet from a central column. We worked with the engineers to design a post-tensioned, self-supporting system to balance the 50' x 50' roof slab.</p>

The 'floating' concrete roof is cantilevered 27 feet from a central column. We worked with the engineers to design a post-tensioned, self-supporting system to balance the 50' x 50' roof slab.

<p>A reflecting pool unifies the gallery and entry/office wings and is an essential element of the architectural composition.</p>

A reflecting pool unifies the gallery and entry/office wings and is an essential element of the architectural composition.

<p>Ellsworth Kelly's <em>Blue Black</em> is enhanced by the proportions of its gallery space. The positioning of roof elements creates shafts of light that migrate around the piece throughout the day.</p>

Ellsworth Kelly's Blue Black is enhanced by the proportions of its gallery space. The positioning of roof elements creates shafts of light that migrate around the piece throughout the day.

<p>Unlike most galleries, the Pulitzer was designed specifically for several major works of modern art. Height differences between wings and the ever-changing play of light from the water animate the visitor's experience.</p>

Unlike most galleries, the Pulitzer was designed specifically for several major works of modern art. Height differences between wings and the ever-changing play of light from the water animate the visitor's experience.

<p>Architectural concrete forms the finished walls of the building, defining the outdoor sculpture court.</p>

Architectural concrete forms the finished walls of the building, defining the outdoor sculpture court.