Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Originally designed by I.M. Pei, the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is currently undergoing a significant expansion and renovation, representing a combined 86,100 square feet. Kohler Ronan has been invited by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) to join their team in providing comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection designs.

Over decades, the culturally acclaimed museum has provided a space for education, family events, and performances by some of the world’s most popular rock artists. Challenged with creating a structure that would complement the original signature design of I.M. Pei, PAU conceived “the Clash.” This triangular addition creates a new entrance for the museum where the point of the pyramid collides with the main structure. The building will be made of galvanized steel and will include a rooftop deck overlooking Lake Erie. Rather than upstaging the addition, the lighting design supports the new structure in similar fashion to stage lighting. The hope for this obtrusive addition is to bring more of what is characteristically and historically Cleveland to the heart of the museum and bridge the gap between the city, the lake, and the pyramid.

Photo credit: © PAU