Best Architectural
The Crow Museum of Asian Art at the University of Texas at Dallas is a striking 68,000-square-foot cultural landmark that serves as the cornerstone of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum. Situated at the southeast corner of the UTD campus, the museum’s iconic design merges modern technology with timeless architectural expression.
- Two-story, 68,000-square-foot museum
- Located at UTD’s southeast corner
- A key feature of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum
- Completed in Fall 2024
Precast concrete was selected for its malleability, cost-effectiveness, and minimal long-term maintenance, enabling efficient construction while achieving extraordinary design complexity.
Innovative Precast Solutions:
GATE Precast played a pivotal role in the design and execution of the museum’s dynamic façade, working closely with Morphosis to develop a system of sculpted precast panels that push the limits of architectural form.
- 158 precast panels with an average thickness of 6-1/2 inches
- Rigid foil-faced insulation & metal-stud furring walls for thermal efficiency
- Panels measure approximately 10 feet by 30 feet for a seamless façade
- 21 unique concave & convex panels with custom CNC foam molds
- Warped panels engineered using Rhino modeling software
One of the project’s greatest design achievements is the use of warped and textured panels to create an intricate interplay of light and shadow. The 3-D sculpting effect, achieved through custom CNC foam shapes and liner patterns, enhances the building’s massing and visual complexity while maintaining a methodical, repeatable fabrication process.
A Masterpiece of Precast Innovation & Architectural Expression:
By leveraging advanced modeling, custom formwork, and digital fabrication techniques, the Crow Museum of Asian Art showcases the future of precast concrete as an artistic and structural medium. This award-winning museum is not just a functional space, but a work of art that enhances both the architectural landscape and the visitor experience.
Project Team:
- Precast Manufacturer: GATE Precast – Hillsboro, Texas
- Architect: Morphosis – Culver City, California
- General Contractor: The Beck Group – Dallas, Texas
- Engineer of Record: Datum Rios, LLC – San Antonio, Texas
- Owner: The University of Texas at Dallas – Richardson, Texas
