SUMMIT

Located on the iconic Strip of Knoxville, TN, the Summit Art Gallery celebrates the city’s cultural evolution by merging past, present, and future into a cohesive exhibition space. Inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains and honoring Pat Summitt, the design features three primary programs: a ground-floor gallery for creative exploration, a rear auditorium for curated presentations, and an open courtyard that blends local flora with contemporary landscaping to provide a serene urban retreat. Contoured glass, dynamic lighting, and elevated platforms create interplay between interior and exterior spaces, while polished concrete floors and high ceilings enhance spatial openness and circulation. Mechanical systems and support spaces are discreetly integrated below the second floor, preserving the gallery’s sleek aesthetic. Through careful manipulation of light, shadow, and form, the design fosters an immersive environment that encourages visitor engagement and celebrates Knoxville’s artistic and cultural identity.