SKYSPACE PAVILION, HENRY ART GALLERY | U. OF WASHINGTON

Return to Cultural Projects

The permanent pavilion is both a singular piece of art and an important addition to the architectural fabric of the Henry Art Gallery. Done in collaboration with the artist James Turrell, world-renowned for his manipulation of light, it is a powerful experience both inside and out. The overall refinement and simplicity of the pavilion belies an extraordinarily complex orchestration of art, design and engineering. It comprises a single sitting space for viewing the sky through an uncovered elliptical ceiling oculus.

An oval dome closes over the oculus in inclement weather. The exterior is illuminated at night by strips of LED lights behind the translucent glass façade, which go through a computer controlled sequence of slowly changing colors

 “I have the highest respect for Bruce Donnally’s capabilities as a design architect and manager of a complex design and construction process. Bruce was unfailing in his sensitivity to our concerns and interests throughout the project. He was creative, flexible, and resourceful in his solutions to design problems and budgetary concerns. Bruce has a clear and elegant design sensibility, a wonderful sense of materials, and a genuine desire to make the process of design a collaborative relationship between architect and client. He always communicates clearly and effectively with client, contractor, and bureaucrat. Bruce also maintains a calm demeanor even when faced with the frustrations and delays that seem so common in large construction projects. In short, I would recommend Bruce highly as an architect and would have no hesitation working with him in the future should the opportunity arise.”

Richard Andrews, Director, Henry Art Gallery 

Award – This project received a 2003 Citation award from the Seattle, AIA. 

Return to Cultural Projects