![exterior of the paul and linda debruce hall](https://kansas-city.mccowngordon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/09/KCAI-HR-027-978x1187.jpg)
The two-story building integrates into the neighborhood at 44th and Oak using brick and stone as influential materials in the exterior design.
 The Hall’s main entry serves as a tribute to art historians and features the names of prominent figures laser cut into panels made by KCAI students. The interior centers around a public atrium with a grand staircase that connects KCAI’s various activities and user groups.
![natural light at the kansas city art institiute](https://kansas-city.mccowngordon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/09/KCAI-HR-009-1-908x1187.jpg)
![overlooking the lobby of the kansas city art institute](https://kansas-city.mccowngordon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/09/KCAI-HR-011-1778x1187.jpg)
Classrooms and administrative operations are placed around the building’s interior perimeter to connect students and staff to the outdoors. The courtyard garden serves as a space for relaxation and inspiration.
![kansas city art institute classroom](https://kansas-city.mccowngordon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/09/KCAI-HR-003_Classroom-1900x1103.jpg)
![lobby of the kansas city art institute](https://kansas-city.mccowngordon.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/09/KCAI-HR-001-1778x1187.jpg)
Nestled next to a historic residential area, required special-use permits and close coordination with the neighborhood. In preconstruction, the team discovered a balance of accommodating aesthetics for neighboring homes while maintaining the budget. We worked through several different design iterations of façade, skin, and atrium options to develop a solution that exceeded KCAI’s goals.