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An art gallery defining moments and spaces between the admirers of art and the surrounding context of the building, through structural and architectural expression. The Brooklyn College Campus was interested in a gallery that not only acted as a space for art but also created a focal point of attraction in the west wing of the campus. The site also added on to the existing context of the art studios and library across, and it's adjacent newly designed modern café and performance arts theatre that is under construction. The art gallery would enhance a space of interaction on the campus alongside the existing buildings and would create connectivity to the transportation HUB on Flatbush Ave. Luckily, the campus wanted to make use of the existing slab on the site which is currently 25'x100'. The slab is also elevated 8' from the ground on the side entrance of Flatbush Ave. As a result this 8' elevation creates a moment for a "cantilever of impression" towards the people entering the campus. So important is the entrance on Flatbush Ave. that it becomes one of the three primitive view points along with the view from the quad and the performance theatre.
An idea of molding an interweaving pathway and an attractive gallery front developed a curvilinear glass façade to adhere to these viewpoints. The main façade front along the pathway is broken down into fragments of 4' to space the glass panels but as well as provide perspectival frames of the interior gallery while the person moves through the pathway. These frames also allow for the admirer to develop a visual connection with the spatial depth of the gallery provided by the program which allows a ramp that cantilevers out of the space and back into the observation gallery on the upper level. The upper level includes a glass exterior for visuals towards the performance arts theatre while allowing the admirer from outside of the building to be attracted not only by the art murals and frames through the glass façade, but also by the movement of the inhabitants that interact with the different spaces in context. Architecturally, the spatial program is rather simple, emphasizing a main gallery space surrounded by the movement of the observers, through the ramp up to the observing deck. Structurally, open web steel joists allow for an open interior with no column disruptions. The structural columns for the slab are strategically placed alongside mullions of the glass façade to enhance the idea of a floating roof and fragmented frames. However, the roof slab and steel joists also serve a relationship with natural and artificial light. In where the lighting type represents what is structural and what members of the building have derived through the design. Hence, the interplay between the open skylights and the track lights, in which they are staggered on the y-axis, in coherence with the curvilinear façade and the placement of the structural columns. All this in an effort to stimulate a visual sensation of movement through spatial depth.
Essentially, a building composed of masonry brick exterior with stone cladding to give the building an economical sleek and elegant look. A typical concrete roof slab supported by columns and open web steel joists spanning no more than 40' at every 8' off center for a floor to ceiling space, and moment frames for the observation deck placed on the upper floor.
Type: Schematic Concept, Cultural
Status: Proposal
Commission: Graduate Studio Work
Symphony
