Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum stands as one of the most recognizable buildings on Michigan State University’s campus and one of only a handful of projects in the United States designed by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Conceived as a cultural gateway between the university and the
surrounding community, the museum’s dramatic form is defined by a series of sharply folded planes clad in stainless steel and glass. As the Structural Engineer of Record, SDI Structures collaborated closely with the project team to transform this ambitious architectural vision into a functional, durable, and constructible reality. The building’s unconventional geometry required innovative structural solutions and extensive coordination to support its dynamic exterior while maintaining the open gallery environments essential to the museum experience.

Behind the museum’s striking appearance is a sophisticated structural system designed to accommodate complex load paths, long-span exhibition spaces, and the integration of architecturally exposed elements throughout the building. SDI worked closely with the design and construction teams to resolve the challenges associated with the museum’s angular form, contributing to a project that received national recognition for innovation in structural steel design. Today, the Broad Art Museum serves not only as a destination for contemporary art, but also as a testament to the power of collaboration between architecture and engineering—demonstrating how thoughtful structural design can bring even the most ambitious concepts to life.