DIGSAU completed an extensive exterior restoration and complete interior transformation of the former Barnes Foundation into the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum for St. Joseph’s University. Albert Barnes’ iconic salon galleries maintain the familiar scale and proportion, but have been reinterpreted as brighter, more adaptable exhibit and teaching space. To meet contemporary museum standards and enhance its sustainability, the building’s systems, lighting, technology and acoustics were comprehensively upgraded. Central to St. Joseph’s focus on accessibility, a series of strategic interventions now provide full access to the building’s entrance and galleries, ushering in a new era of openness and inclusivity.

hallways
To make the Museum more exploratory, a series of rubbed bronze passageways now connect gallery spaces in new ways. 
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Smaller galleries were combined and their distinct ceiling forms were stitched together. 
door
As part of a comprehensive approach to modernizing the museum, a custom art door that allows large pieces into the building was fabricated within an existing window opening in the main atrium. 
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A room dedicated to the architectural process of the original Cret-designed building maintains the aesthetic of the former Barnes museum, with updated lighting to illuminate the volume of the space. 
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A significant exterior restoration included replacement of deteriorated elements with Pouillenay Rose limestone sourced from the original French quarry. 

Recognition:

2024 AIA Pennsylvania Silver Medal
2024 Merion Township Historic Preservation Award
2024 Philadelphia Preservation Alliance Grand Jury Award Winner
2024 Tristates Merit Award, Historic Preservation
2023 AIA Philadelphia Merit Award
 

Projects

Frances M. Maguire Art Museum - St. Joseph's University

Center For Advanced Technologies - Bucks County Community College

PPR Residence Hall - Swarthmore College

Discovery Center - Outward Bound & Audubon Society

Wexler Gallery

Bigham Leatherberry Wise Place - People's Emergency Center

The Cooper

Caesar Rodney Hall - University of Delaware

Jefferson School

Greene Street Friends School

Campus Bookstore & Development Office - University of Delaware

Margaret Passmore Trickey Building

Delaware History Museum

150 Rouse Boulevard

Shallcross Hall - Friends Central School

The Clay Studio

Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center - Princeton University

The Study at University City

Basecamp Delta

Housing Northwest Arkansas

Arts Café Expansion & Renovation - University of Pennsylvania

Gore Capabilities Center

Dogfish Head Brews and Eats

Construction Training & Education Center

Tyler School of Art - Temple University

Library Playspace

Intercultural Engagement Center - University of Delaware

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Yards Brewery

Aqua Foro

Matchbox - Swarthmore College

Iovance Biotherapeutics

Pavilion & Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park

Gettysburg Montessori School

Edible Garden and Classroom - Tyler Arboretum

SEPTA Bus Shelters

WP Point Event Space & Lodge

Philadelphia Union Training Facility

The Global Learning Center

The Cove

201 Rouse Boulevard

351 Rouse Boulevard

Barnegat House

Courtyard House

Rural Loft

DIGSAU

340 North 12th Street

Suite 421

Philadelphia, PA 19107

v 215.627.0808

e info@digsau.com

www.instagram.com/digsau_architecture

 

 

 

Job Posting: Architectural Designer-Summer Internship

We are seeking a temporary architectural designer with exceptional graphic skills as well as drafting abilities for our summer internship program. The roles and responsibilities of the Architectural Designer position include a budding interest into a broad exposure to many aspects of project design and delivery, including participation in developing design concepts, creating presentation materials, working on construction documents, and assisting in construction administration. The candidate must be adaptable and able to work to prioritizing tasks with Project Architect supervision; demonstrate imaginative, creative and innovative design solutions to technical problems; be flexible, a motivated multi-tasker, detail-oriented, and a hard-working team player.

View full job description here.

 

 

 

If you would like to be considered for an internship or full-time position, e-mail a cover letter, resume, references and portfolio to employment@digsau.com as one PDF document.  Please limit attachments to 2MB.  We will respond to you should the appropriate opportunity be available.  No phone calls please.