Ruby City

Ruby City, is a landmark contemporary art exhibition space that honors and fulfills the vision of the late arts patron, Linda Pace. The firm of Sir David Adjaye, the acclaimed architect who designed the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, is Ruby City’s Design Architect.  Alamo Architects was proud to play a leading role as the Architect of Record.

Plans reveal an ambitious building that gracefully nods to the past, embraces its distinct natural environment and playfully challenges expectations. The exterior of the structure is clad in deep red panels of precast concrete with glass and mica aggregate that will shimmer in the light. The planes are punctuated by strategically placed lenses that overlook CHRISpark and a new sculpture garden.

Largely rectangular, the building features a dramatic rooftop of sloping angles and skylights that will rise to varying heights and echo cut-away spaces at the building’s base. The entrance plaza, formed by the building’s cantilevered structure and the ground floor lobby, share the vibrant ruby color pattern establishing a dynamic and porous relationship between indoor and outdoor elements. A grand staircase takes visitors to a series of gallery spaces, which feature concrete floors with white walls and ceilings to allow the extensive collection to take center focus.