Olympic Square A is a terraced plaza featuring a hardscape design, situated at the heart of the museum complex. To the south lies the museum’s main building, while the café is positioned to the north. The architect drew inspiration from postcard views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains when designing the square. A circular theater accommodating up to 230 people was integrated into the design to support a variety of events year-round.
△ Site analysis diagram
△ Site analysis diagram
△ Design Concept
The lobby atrium, located on the first floor, boasts a soaring height of 40 feet. The architect selected perforated fiberglass gypsum board for the lobby walls, contributing to a distinctive interior texture. Additionally, four internal balconies were designed to redirect visitors’ attention toward the central atrium as they explore the gallery spaces.
Analysis of atrium cross-section
The architect created 1,800 square meters of gallery space arranged in overlapping layers, generating a unique petal-like effect. Soft natural light filters through these petal-shaped spaces, bathing the atrium in gentle illumination. This carefully crafted lighting not only enhances the ambiance but also guides visitors through the exhibition spaces, designed by Gallagher Associates, enriching their overall experience.
The first-floor theater covers 180 square meters and seats 130 guests comfortably. Two rows of movable seats accommodate 26 wheelchair users, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. This capacity also allows an entire Paralympic hockey team to attend performances together.
The second-floor activity space spans approximately 120 square meters and offers visitors panoramic views of downtown Colorado Springs. An adjacent outdoor terrace of about 50 square meters extends this space. The café covers 260 square meters indoors with an additional 40 square meters for outdoor dining, providing a welcoming and flexible meeting spot for guests visiting the square and museum. The rooftop of the café is landscaped with greenery that reflects the natural seasonal changes.
On the third floor, the architect introduced a 75 square meter multifunctional conference room paired with a 40 square meter outdoor terrace. A pedestrian bridge connects the museum to the neighboring natural park, enhancing access between the two areas. This bridge also improves linkage between the city center and the Midland natural greenway.
From the project’s outset, the architect engaged closely with specialists to address the spatial needs of disabled athletes and visitors. Accessibility features include well-equipped entrances and exits, ensuring smooth elevator access from the first to upper floors. Visitors can explore various spaces via a gently sloped pathway, widened to allow two wheelchairs to pass side by side. A glass railing in the atrium provides improved sightlines from lower levels. Softer flooring and flexible café seating were also incorporated to enhance comfort.
The museum’s façade is comprised of 9,000 folded anodized aluminum plates shaped like diamonds. These plates, angled differently, create a captivating reflective sheen under the region’s natural light, producing dynamic patterns of color and shadow that bring the building to life.
The building’s main structural support is a steel frame, with foundations constructed from drilled vertical shafts and cast-in-place concrete.
Design Drawings
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ East elevation view
△ South elevation view
△ West elevation view
△ North elevation view
Analysis diagram of skylight lighting
Project Information
Project type: Museum
Location: Colorado Springs, USA
Architect: Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Area: 60,000 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Jason O’Rear
Responsible Partner: Benjamin Gilmartin
Architectural Firm: Anderson Mason Dale Architects
Exhibition Designer: Gallagher & Associates
Museum Content Development: Barrie Projects
Structural Engineer: KL & A in collaboration with Arup
Civil Engineer: Kiowa Engineering Corporation
Fire Engineer: Jensen Hughes
Mechanical Engineer: The Ballard Group
Electrical Engineer: ME Engineers Acoustics
Acoustics and Theater Design: ARUP
Auxiliary Function Design: Ileana Rodriguez
Lighting Design: Tillotson Design Associates
Landscape Design: NES, Inc. in collaboration with Hargreaves Jones
Electronic System Code: Advanced Consulting Engineers
Vertical Transportation: Iros Elevators Design Services
Cost Estimation: Dharam Consulting
Energy Modeling: Iconergy
Exterior Design Consultant: Heitmann & Associates
Facade Design: MG McGrath
General Contractor: GE Johnson
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