Manetti Shrem Museum of Art in Davis
- Heide Wessely
With its expressive, curvaceous canopy, the museum has, since opening in 2016, become the symbol of the Californian Davis University. Situated beside the central campus car park, the new structure acts as the formal entrance to this renowned academic institution. The lightweight and permeable canopy construction unites different functions: exhibition areas, an auditorium, seminar rooms and a cafe. These spaces are housed in three pavilions and connected via a glazed foyer. Covered by the large canopy, the generous outdoor spaces have become central meeting places. Perforated aluminium louvres provide shading and cast varied patterns on the ground, depending on the position of the sun and weather conditions.
