Kiewit Luminarium

Architectural Wall Systems

Recognitions: AIA Iowa 2024 Craft Awards

Project Description

The Kiewit Luminarium is an innovative community space and learning environment that is part workshop, part museum. It serves as a dynamic space where people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds can explore extraordinary phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception through interactive displays and engaging exhibits. The building is thought of as a “container” like the classic Nebraska vernacular “machine-shed,” simple, honest, performative — where apertures in the aluminum exterior envelope strictly adhere to optimal shading based on the orientation of the facade. The building geometry emerged out of an apparent “grain” to the landscape that organizes the building into two forms. On the west, towards Downtown Omaha, it “lifts” off the ground, which creates an elevated “canvas” into the air and acts as a billboard to the city. The space under the cantilever then becomes a pedestrian space — a large bus stop for group collection and lingering. The east form along the river anchors into the site along the riverfront boardwalk. The vertical shading fins along the east provide exciting glimpses into the interior, thus animating the facade experience as pedestrians meander the riverwalk.