Aerial View of Liminal

Liminal

IOWA LANDSCAPE MUSEUM

2024 RDG Competition Winner

Fall 2024 I ARCH 403 I Prof. Bosuk Hur I Credit: Logan Conley & Kathryn Sawallisch

The Iowa landscape is one of the most under-appreciated and yet most striking landscapes. In our fast-paced culture, removing the mind from its routine and taking time for deep appreciation without conscious effort is virtually impossible. Liminal creates a space that forces this slower pace, fostering a growth of great appreciation. This landscape-centered exhibition space focuses on confronting the concept of a traditional white cube museum.

In this new museum, the primary mission is to challenge the visitor’s understanding of the Iowan landscape. The experience will break down the components of the surrounding environment and enable the visitor to view these pieces as one whole, transcending the perception of the utilitarian machine and exposing the rich beauty of the landscape. The design leads each visitor through a sequential journey, creating a path wherein the mind can transition from its external state to a renewed perspective.

Matrix

We utilized Midjourney, the AI photo tool, to create renders based on our text prompts. This allowed us to create a design matrix, with an inventory of renders exploring light’s effects on spatial quality. We also explored how the season would affect the spatial quality of our space.

Art Installation

We aimed to highlight overlooked components of the Iowa landscape, culminating in our art installation.

Lower Level Plan

Submerged beneath the earth, visitors follow a narrow path, where the landscape and sky loom above. Their journey begins with the landscape hidden, the exhibitions offering glimpses of its sublime nature.

Interior Render

Large Courtyard Render

Lower Level Exhibitions

The exhibitions each highlight a sense to focus on while experiencing a landscape element. These exhibitions promote a greater understanding of the Iowa landscape.