The proposed renovation will create a contiguous and open floor plan allowing greater curatorial flexibility, comfortable and intuitive circulation, correctly proportioned and acoustically treated rooms, a contemporary material palette, and a state-of-the-art lighting system. The cumulative result is an enhanced encounter with the artwork for many future generations.
Two overarching themes are driving our approach to the design. Firstly, we believe that simplicity equals flexibility. The removal and reconfiguration of key building elements will enable a dramatic role reversal: the new galleries will have fewer permanent walls (architecture) and more opportunities for exhibition walls (curatorship). Secondly, we believe that the physical qualities of the spaces should yield to the complexity of the artwork and the narratives created by the curators. While avoiding sterility and neutrality, the architecture will create a similar spatial comfort as in the other signature areas within the DIA (i.e. Rivera court) and will contain adaptable infrastructure to support countless future exhibitions. Excitingly ambitious, the newly transformed entrance as well as the reconfigured and modernized galleries will serve both the practical needs and curatorial ambitions of the DIA’s future Contemporary program.
The primary architectural issues to solve are the congested and confusing circulation, the gallery proportions, the lack of curatorial flexibility, and the dated materials, finishes, and lighting. To address these issues, the following series of changes are proposed:
1. Reconfigure the entrance
2. Remove the hanger columns above the old first floor fountain and close the passenger elevator doors
3. Relocate the fresh air intake shaft to the exterior of the building
4. Remove the central column in eastern double-height gallery
5. Install a new bespoke ceiling system
6. Replace all HVAC distribution, lighting, finishes, and devices
Design Team
Kevin Schorn
Nader Wallerich
Keely Brittles
Liam Martin
Laura-India Garinois
Structural
Silman
Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Suppression
Cosentini Associates
Daylighting, Lighting, Sustainability
Arup
Cost Consulting
Directional Logic
Visualization
Vivid-Vision