With its mass timber structure, expanded public realm, and community‑anchored design, the new Memphis Brooks Museum of Art creates a forward‑thinking model for sustainable cultural institutions. Atelier Ten partnered with the design team to shape a building that elevates visitor experience and minimizes environmental impact.
The museum’s hybrid mass timber structure creates a warm and welcoming interior environment. Additionally, the sequestered carbon in the mass timber and wood cladding contribute a 26% reduction in embodied carbon.
Informed by Tennessee’s climate, water reuse and conservation was a defining project goal. The expansive rooftop garden, featuring native and adapted plants, connects visitors to the Mississippi River and helps manage stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of precipitation-related flooding. Additionally, stormwater is reused for non-potable uses within the building. Atelier Ten’s sitewide water balance informed the water reuse scheme.
