BUHLER CENTRE AND PLUG IN GALLERY
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The University of Winnipeg invited PUBLIC CITY (Formerly Peter Sampson Architecture Studio) and David Penner Architect to design a new joint facility with Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art. The two architects were joined by local designer/art coordinator Neil Minuk, and together they arranged the multi-programmed facility around generous and active, programmable public hallways which double as galleries. Designed and built on a shoestring budget not typical of public institutions of this calibre, the architects strove to provide a signature quality building on minimal means. The 48,000 sf facility also houses two University of Winnipeg faculties, Business and Continuing Education. A small local bistro, Stella’s Bakery and Cafe, occupies the fabled corner of Portage and Colony where the United Army Surplus long stood. The facade of this hybrid faculty and public art institution is lit up by the city’s activity. From your car, you can play its facade by activating the reflective tabs with high beams, turn signals or simply watch it respond passively to the twinkling light of winter hoar frost at dawn.
