HDR encloses the Kiewit Luminarium with perforated aluminum panels

Article originally published by The Architect’s Newspaper and Trevor Schillaci.
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OMAHA, Neb. — Illuminated at night, the Kiewit Luminarium is a symbol of the revitalization of Omaha, Nebraska’s Missouri River waterfront. The new science museum replaces the city’s Riverfront Science Center and is named after its largest donor, the Kiewit Corporation, a locally based general contractor. On the other hand, the term “luminarium” reflects the illumination of the structure, while also evoking associations with curiosity and wonder. Inspired by the vernacular of midwestern machine sheds, HDR devised two staggered rectangular volumes for the institution which are clad in perforated aluminum panels and backlit at night.

Focusing on engineering and science, the 83,000-square-foot institution is “part workshop, part museum” according to a press release from HDR. The building features classrooms, a maker space, cafe, and gift shop, in addition to two floors of exhibition space. Throughout, the building’s immersive exhibitions and installations play with bold geometry and color. For instance, a large icosahedron sculpture hangs near the entrance and a playscape made from hexagonal modules is located on the southern end of the building.

The Kiewit Luminarium is sited within Lewis and Clark Landing, a long-neglected segment of Omaha’s riverfront adjacent to the city’s downtown. In recent years, the area has been revitalized with the addition of green space and recreational programs, replacing the large expanses of concrete that once defined the site. The facility is also located near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which spans across the Missouri River into Iowa.

To allow for flexibility within the space, HDR adopted a simplistic shed typology for the new building. The entrance to the museum, facing Downtown Omaha, was placed beneath a spacious cantilever that creates shelter for visitors. This feature allows for easy bus access, encouraging the use of public transit and establishing the Luminarium as a destination for school field trips.

In terms of massing, the building’s two rectangular volumes are offset from one another, creating space for a service area on one end and a landscaped play scape on the other. On the south elevation, the aluminum shed cantilevers outward to shade a glass wall overlooking the playground near the entrance plaza. Punched windows shaded by vertical fins were also incorporated across the facade, offering views west to the river.

Central to the design of the facade is the incorporation of backlighting, which illuminates the building at night. This feature signifies the improvement of Omaha’s waterfront.

“The concept was born out of our collaborative efforts with lighting engineers, building on our previous successes with illuminated facades,” said Mike Hamilton, design principal at HDR. “The idea was to create an active, illuminated space that would draw people to the building, transforming a once dark and neglected area into a beacon of activity.”

HDR tested different levels of perforation and illumination for the facade, working to develop a balance that satisfied cost, shading, and visibility requirements. In addition, the name of the facility is printed on the aluminum panels in large graphic letters that are visible even from across the river.

“We did consider materials like galvanized steel and even something as wild as recycled light poles,” added Tim Williams, design principal at HDR. “Ultimately, we chose a marine-grade aluminum that could remain uncoated and patina with time to align with the building’s scientific and natural themes and put science on display right on the facade.”

Prior to construction significant remediation work was performed on the site, which had been contaminated from previous use. Because of poor soil conditions, deep foundations and a large structural slab were implemented to stabilize the new building.

The Kiewit Luminarium demonstrates the role that cultural institutions can play in urban revitalization. Through its facade, the building has managed to symbolize these remediation efforts by—quite literally—brightening a once-blighted space.

Project Specifications

Architect: HDR
Client: Heritage Omaha
Structural Engineer: HDR
MEP Engineer: HDR
Exhibit Design: Exploratorium
Envelope Design Assist: AWS
General Contractor: Kiewit Building Group
Facade Installation: AWS
Glazing Contractor: AWS
Glass: Viracon
Insulation: Kingspan