Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects have designed the new Wing Luke Asian Museum in Seattle, scheduled to open on May 31.

Set in the Chinatown International District, the museum offers space for community meeting and events, public space for the neighborhood, theatre space for performances and presentations, exhibit spaces for community art and emerging Asian Pacific American artists, family-centered learning environments, and leadership development for neighborhood youth. The new design offers new and expanded space and restores the historic fabric of the East Kong Yick Building, which served as a social center and living quarters for Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants.

"I think the complexity of the program is what ultimately gives the building its identity and character," says head architect Rick Sundberg. "The architecture retreats and the experience of the visitor is of primary importance. Even though the materials have rough textures, they have a welcoming quality."

The design team used "re-use and recycling" as a game plan, with fire doors and other no longer functional objects serving as inspiration for furniture and works of art.  Two story lightwells and transparency between floors allows daylight to filter throughout the space freely. Windows and doors were repaired and reinstalled and fir joists were recycled as stair treads.

The Wing Luke Asian Museum raised over $23.2 million for the new building.