Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) unveiled the design for a new Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) designed by Steven Holl and Chris McVoy.
Part exhibition and performance space, part lab and incubator, the 38,000-sf building will feature a series of flexible programming spaces for the presentation of visual art, theater, music, dance and film by nationally and internationally recognized artists.
The facility also encompasses a 240-plus seat performance space, outdoor plazas, a sculpture garden, classrooms, a café and administrative offices. Scheduled to open in 2015, this non-collecting institution is designed to facilitate the way artists are working today by accommodating the increasing lack of barriers among different media and practices, mirroring the cross-disciplinary approach at VCU’s School of the Arts.
The ICA will feature dual entrances—one facing Richmond and the other fronting VCU’s campus.
At the heart of the building will be an inviting, double-height “forum,” a flexible space for both spontaneous encounters and planned events that connects to the ground-floor performance space and also opens to the sculpture garden and cafe. The galleries radiate out from the forum in forked arms, shaping the space of the garden. Large pivot doors open to the garden in order to create a seamless interplay between interior and exterior spaces. The open circulation serves to remove the formal protocols associated with entering traditional arts facilities. The three levels of galleries are linked through the open forum, allowing artists to create works that extend across, and visitors to circulate through, the spaces via a variety of paths.
The ICA's exterior walls of pre-weathered satin-finish zinc will complement its urban setting. Additional clear and translucent glass walls will create transparency, bringing natural light into the building during the day and radiating light at night, signaling the activities taking place within. BD+C
Related Stories
| Mar 4, 2013
Dewberry names James Draheim president of architectural practice
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has recently hired James Draheim, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, as president of the firm’s 175-person nationwide architectural practice. Draheim will be responsible for all facets of the firm’s business development, operations, strategic planning, and growth.
| Mar 4, 2013
German healthcare design specialist TMK Architekten joins HDR Architecture
TMK Architekten • Ingenieure, one of Germany’s leading healthcare architecture firms, announced today that it is joining forces with HDR Architecture, the world’s No. 1 healthcare and science + technology design firm. The merged company will conduct business as HDR TMK, and will be the hub for the firm’s healthcare and science + technology design programs in Europe.
| Mar 4, 2013
Korean Air, AC Martin collaborating on Western region's tallest tower
The 1,100-foot Wilshire Grand will combine retail and restaurant space, offices, and a luxury hotel in the sky.
| Mar 4, 2013
Gehry unveils design for Santa Monica hotel-condo tower
If all goes as planned, Frank Gehry will design the first building in his hometown in some 25 years.
| Mar 3, 2013
World's first LEGO museum planned in Denmark
Bjarke Ingels Group and Ralph Appelbaum Associates will team up with the LEGO Group to design the physical home for The LEGO House, the world's first museum dedicated to LEGO.
| Feb 28, 2013
Daniel J. Rectenwald promoted to chief operating officer of HGA
HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA) has promoted Daniel J. Rectenwald, AIA, to Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee daily operation of the firm’s design and business strategies across seven national offices.
| Feb 28, 2013
Videos reveal City 2.0 ideas from 2012 TED Prize winners
Thought leader TED has released eight new videos from winners of its 2012 TED Prize: the City 2.0. The prize went to 10 winners involved in urban issues, including education, safety, health, food, and public space.
| Feb 28, 2013
Greeening Silicon Valley: Samsung's new 1.1 million-sf HQ
Samsung Electronics' new 1.1 million sf San Jose campus will support at least 2,500 sales and R&D staff in the company's semiconductor and display businesses.
| Feb 28, 2013
BIA opens entries for 2013 Brick in Architecture Awards
The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has opened entry submissions for its 2013 Brick In Architecture Awards—with a new Renovation/Restoration category and new category divisions this year. BIA’s annual awards honor architectural excellence and sustainable design nationwide that incorporates clay brick products as the predominant exterior building or paving material.
| Feb 27, 2013
Marvin Windows and Doors now accepting entries for fifth annual Marvin Architect’s Challenge
Architects have an opportunity for their best work to compete on a global stage in the fifth annual Marvin Architect’s Challenge. Previous winners of Marvin Windows and Doors’ prestigious award program have come from Spain, Ireland and across the United States — with their work among the world’s finest.
