Though the Oakland Rover was originally conceived as a mobile component of the we/customize exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California, we soon realized that it could serve more broadly—as an active part of the museum itself. The Rover is integrated functionally and aesthetically with the museum, designed to travel silently into the galleries and across the grounds, while echoing the building's iconic architecture.

Outside the OMCA, the Rover acts as an extension of the museum, bringing the museum to all the people of Oakland and bringing people to the museum. Floating through city streets, its translucent shell illuminated from within, the Rover becomes a glowing emblem of the museum. When the Rover lands—at a community art event for example—its gull-wing doors open and the Rover begins its transformation from vehicle to architecture. Inside is a system of interchangeable cartridges attached to sliding tracks. Cantilevered gallery spaces are created as the cartridges are extended, enabling the Rover to support a wide array of activities.

The Rover was designed in collaboration with Martin Sprouse.