George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Building Overview
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Size: 88,902 sq ft (Across 3 above grade stories)
- Cost: $20.5 million
- Function: To house the Art & Visual Technology department whose
curriculum spans from metal working to sculpting to painting. The building
will also provide space for general education.
- Architect: Ayers/Saint/Gross
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Campus Map
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
About the Art & Visual Technology Department
“The Department of Art and Visual Technology’s primary purpose is to foster the
conceptual and technical education of the artist in a highly professional and studiooriented environment. Believing that the artist's success is dependent on both
creative vision and technical expertise, the Department encourages excellence,
critical inquiry, and experimentation.”
- Harold Linton, Chair
Department of Art and Visual Technology
-24 full-time & 25 part-time faculty. 550 students
-Several venues for student and professional exhibitions
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Building Lower Level Floor Plan
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Building Entry Level Floor Plan
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Building Upper Level Floor Plan
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Main Courtyard Design Goals
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
- Create a warm and welcoming
prominent entrance
- Highlight department logo on
ornamental banner
- Accent building name along with steel &
glass canopy
- Assist in way finding
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Main Courtyard Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Main Courtyard Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Entry Lobby Design Goals
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
-Impress those entering the building. This space is the first
impression of the building
- Innovative atmosphere
- Inspiration for students & Faculty
-Showcase the building & department
-Reinforce the spaciousness through use of peripheral
emphasis
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Entry Lobby Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Entry Lobby Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Entry Lobby Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Design Goals
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
-Low profile design. Don’t take
attention from exhibit pieces
- Highlight exhibit pieces,
provide minimal ambient
lighting
- Provide flexible design for
any arrangement or type of
work.
- Provide space for custom
lighting for gallery pieces
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Key Design Criteria
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
-Wood paneled ceiling
-Sleek, clean appearance
-Narrow channel grid for
track fixtures to be flush
with ceiling.
-General illumination
through recessed black
louvered 1x4’s in same
channel as track lighting to
continue low profile
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Exhibit Gallery Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Painting Studio Design Goals
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
- Provide a high uniform level light level on the work surface (usually easels)
-The appearance of objects within the room is critical due to them being the focal
point for the painters. This includes how well the objects are illuminated and the
color rendering of objects
-Integrate and utilize daylight with electric lighting design
-Provide flexible lighting on objects to be modeled by the painters to allow multiple
appearances for the same object
-Create uniform diffuse lighting in area where students are sitting to avoid any
possible shadowing problems
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Painting Studio Space Overview
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Painting Studio Space Layout
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
Seating Area
Object Area
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Painting Studio Design Concept
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
- Recessed Track Lighting for Model
Area
- Direct/Indirect pendants for general
illumination
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Painting Studio Design Concept
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
Main Courtyard
Entry Lobby
Exhibit Gallery
Painting Studio
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building
Questions & Comments
Allen Walker
Schematic Design Phase
George Mason University
Art & Visual Technology Building