Voyerism

Professor: Judy Gordon

Year: Third-year student project

Assignment: Design art museum with special gallery dedicated to five of Richter's art and sculpture pieces. 

Precedent: Menil Collection by Renzo Piano

Concept: Facade as frame for voyerism. Outside viewers watch the blurred visitors inside upstairs gallery, while visitors watch outside passers-by. All the while, visitors view gallery art. Facade becomes a double-sided mirror for voyerism and theatrical play. (As seen in renders.)

Design: Double-paned frosted glass wall as facade. Natural light enters between layers and is refracted as it travels through the glass to underground gallery. This indirect light kindles the gallery with a dim enough light so as not to damage the artworks. A reflecting pool rests at the bottom of the glass light-carrying wall. This both further reflects indirect light into the space and adds a natural element to the space. In processional experience, visitor walks through small vertical stairwell to enter the underground gallery. To create contrast and relief, underground gallery expands vertically and horizontally as walls spread wider and floor ramps lower. Ground level also acts as corridor for passers-by to cross through block in urban setting. Two paths are available for such users: the open-air corridor within building perimeter, and outdoor pathway through a garden alongside the building. With the glass floor and walls, this