Choosing the program of a sculpture museum for the Michigan Avenue site came from an idea of preserving the public accessibility and needs of the location. Placing a cultural center, the sculpture museum, on the site allows for enjoyable circulation around the building as well as gathering spaces on the grounds. In addition to the circulation routes around the building, the entire ground footprint of the building is open to the public on the interior. This came as a result of the size of the site and the need for many entries into the building.

 

From a context standpoint, the use of subdued materiality and a maximum floor level of five stories allows for the building to hold a cultural presence while not distracting the eye from the Tribune Tower. Through use of minimal variety of material, the art inside and out of the museum is given a greater place in the hierarchy. Another point of inspiration to drive the concept consists of looking at the possibilities and potential of space to impact an individual’s perception and experience. Depending on the mood or emotional state of the person, they may be drawn to different aspects of the architecture and art. Rather than attempting to provide a  uniform experience for all, designing moments which cater to the existing mood of the person enable the architecture to speak louder than if it were uniform.

 

A 10' x 10' grid system was developed for the museum with the idea that the majority of sculptures are able to move through a void of that size, as a whole or in pieces.

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A thin concrete panel is attached to a 6” x 6” steel tube with a custom connection joint at intersections. The panels are hung via brackets embedded in the panel while the steel tubes are mechanically attached to the connector with a slight reveal to emphasize connection. Using mechanical connections allows for panels to be changed or replaced depending on exhibit requirements and limitations.

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Once the assembled system is in place, renderings are used to highlight the lighting conditions and materiality of the architecture as well as the success or failure of human activation. Due to the sheer size of the site, predicting how visitors may use the space is important for ensuring the museum is relevant and comfortable at a human scale. Although the site is too large to accurately depict all human facets of the project, specific moments of experience are explored and depicted within the renderings.

 

The art shown within the imagery is a mix of existing art from well known artists as well as envisioned site specific art showing the capacity of the facility.

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Design Studio

Fall 2015

Instructor Gerald Larson