Cambridge Seven was one of three firms selected for a competition to design the new Whatcom Art & Children’s Museum. Our ‘Whole’ is Greater than the Sum of the Individual Parts concept is based on the idea that a combination of arts and children’s programs can add up to a third—more intangible, but memorable—identity for the Museum. The design distinctly expresses the two program elements while interlocking them around a central court space and, ultimately, forming a single identity for the building.

The building design is based upon a two-story building arrangement organized around a central exterior courtyard space. This courtyard is shared and viewed from the main public program areas of both museums. A playful and iconic two and one-half story tower marks the corner of Flora and Grand streets to signify the Museum’s cultural connection to other civic buildings. The program areas are organized to take advantage of the natural light, orientation, and functional advantages presented by the central courtyard space.

The edges of the building are conceived to present a civic stature for the Museum. The program elements such as the main lobby, museum shop, and children’s gallery are all prominently placed along the street edges to foster public interaction and street visibility.