Smithsonian Announces BIG Plans for Campus Redesign (pics)

[demmiblue]

When the Smithsonian set out to find an architect for its south campus redesign—a 20-year project that will overhaul the Institution's oldest buildings—they cast an extremely wide net, searching both at home and abroad for a firm that could blend innovation with respect for historic buildings. After careful consideration, they settled on BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group, a New York and Copenhagen based firm that bears both the name and vision of Bjarke Ingels, a 40-year-old architect from Denmark.

"The Smithsonian is the national museum of America, and it’s located right smack in the middle of the capital, framing the Mall on both sides. In terms of its cultural and historical significance, and of course also the content—the different museums and educational institutions that are a part of the Smithsonian—makes it a super interesting place to work with," says Ingels.

After nearly a year-and-a-half of planning, BIG has revealed its plans for the campus redesign, which includes renovations to the Smithsonian Castle, new entrances for the National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and improved access to the Freer Gallery of Art and to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

"Where today each museum is almost like a separate entity, in the future, it’s going to be a much more open, intuitive and inviting campus to meander around," Ingels said.

Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/smithsonian-announces-big-plans-campus-redesign-180953311/?no-ist

[Warpy]

1. IMO, the main reason to visit DC

is to tour the Smithsonian.

I do wish they'd found an architect who saw such a fantastic museum as exploration and education rather than another opportunity to tell the peasants how unimportant they are by the use of grand spaces.

The present facilities outside of the air and space museum are quite intimate and comfortable.

[cyberswede]

2. I kinda dig the raised corners of the garden.

I like that the view of the castle is nice and open.

[demmiblue]

4. At first glance, I didn't like the corners.

However, as I read about the rationale for them and viewed the underground pictures, I changed my mind.

It is kind of like lifting up the corners of a gift to see what is inside!

[Octafish]

3. Thank you for the heads-up, demmiblue.

This news makes me so proud to be a citizen of the United States. I know the current space, a grassy area in front of the main "castle." Transforming it into an axis to connect the various entities is a remarkable idea. May the Smithsonian's work -- starting with its 20 year plans -- be the first drop in a ripple that builds to a wave of national renewal.

[demmiblue]

5. Yvw, Octafish.

I am sure there will be grumbling over the cost, but these are our national treasures. We need to maintain and expand upon them.