Clark Art Institute

Campus Renovation and Expansion

Dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art, the Clark Art Institute is one of only a handful of institutions globally with a dual mission as both an art museum and a distinguished center for research and higher education. To meet the Institute’s growing demand for exhibition, academic programs, and visitor services, the Clark embarked on an ambitious, $145 million master plan to transform its campus. Designed by a renowned architecture team, the project aimed to create a more integrated physical environment, upgrade site circulation, and improve the overall visitor experience. Underscoring the Clark’s stewardship role for its 140-acre campus, the plan included the adoption of sustainability strategies to significantly reduce energy and water consumption despite an increase in program and overall built area.

The implementation of the master plan was divided into several core phases of work:

  • Phase I – Lunder Center at Stone Hill: Development of a new, 32,000 square foot conservation building with Museum gallery space, campus landscape integration
  • Phase II –Physical Plant and Clark Center: Development of a new 42,600 square foot visitor exhibition and conference center, as well as a new physical plant that integrates geothermal energy and other sustainable resources
  • Phase III – Museum Building and Manton Research Center: Renovation of original museum building and a 110,000 square foot existing research center and gallery space

Role + Responsibilities

Crucial to the success of the project program was conceiving the right plan to align the program with the project budget. During the development of the master plan, Zubatkin was originally engaged to help match the project budget with the scope of work. Following this first phase, the Zubatkin team was further retained to oversee the design process and, in coordination with ARCADIS, supported the construction of the individual projects outlined in the master plan. The team also assisted in the management of the project financial controls, including the budget, schedule, administration and reporting.

Related Projects

  • Client Clark Art Institute
  • Location Williamstown, MA
  • Size

    140 acres

  • Architect
    • Tadao Ando Architect and Associates (Design Architect)
    • Selldorf Architects (Design Architect)
    • Gensler (Executive Architect)
  • Construction Manager
    • Barr & Barr (Phase I)
    • Turner Construction (Phase II)
    • Consigli Construction (Phase III)

LEED Gold Certified Clark Center

Clark Center Green Roof

Geothermal Energy – Reduction of Electricity and Heating Resources by 28%

Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Management – Reduction of Water Consumption by 50% per Year

Best Landscape Design, The Architect’s Newspaper, 2015

Apollo Award for Museum Opening of the Year, 2014

Best in Architecture 2014, The Wall Street Journal