When he visited the Center for Asian Art at The Ringling, John Pirman was struck both by the striking new building, designed by Machado & Silvetti Architects, and its contrast with the Renaissance-style museum of art. “The facade of jade green, dragon-scale terra cotta tiles juxtaposes beautifully with the historic museum building,” he says. “It’s a perfect example of combining old with new to offer a harmonious surprise.”