The architects behind the pending renovation of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit are dreaming big when it comes to reinventing one of Midtown's marquee cultural institutions.
"We want it all," says Lyn Rice, principal of
Rice+Lipka Architects. "We want to completely modernize it and at the same time keep it the same. It can't happen that way, but that's the dream."
MOCAD selected the New York City-based architecture firm
James Corner Field Operations to design the renovation of its 22,000-square-foot facility on Woodward Avenue and Garfield Street. The plan is to improve the facility's internal spaces and functionality, making it more energy efficient and easier to control the temperature. Rice+Lipka Architects also plans to create better spaces for art viewing and for staff to work. They designers will do this while maintaining the building's raw, industrial character.
A more visible improvement will result by creating an outdoor space and other exterior upgrades. The architects will design new entry points and develop a strong, memorable presence along the building’s Woodward frontage.
The planning process is expected to wrap up by July. Construction could begin as soon as 2013. Helping fund this project is a $350,000 grant from ArtPlace.
Source: Lyn Rice, principal of Rice+Lipka Architects
Writer: Jon Zemke
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