New Glass Galleries : 2003-2007

A series of comprehensive feasibility and planning studies examined the development of three sites within the Corning Museum of Glass Houghton Park Campus in Corning, New York. These studies were initiated to identify locations for the expansion of museum activities as they related to the need for New Contemporary Glass Galleries.

The studies included a new South Field Gallery addition, an Infill Gallery addition adjacent to the 1980 Birkerts building and a Roof Gallery addition above the existing Steuben factory. Each study examined concepts for site circulation, access, and adjacencies to existing and related areas as an extension of the existing organizational structure. Test-Fit Planning studies were developed as they related to function, site restrictions, existing conditions, proposed building, and interior layouts. Support analysis of the 37,000 sq.ft. comparative square foot allocations and outline budgets were developed for impact on future corporate capital expenditures.

Including site context studies, architecture concept studies, and interior gallery visualization, the project proposal reinforced a curatorial initiative for open and flexible exhibit space and a conceptual link to the Houghton Park Campus as a historical architectural continuum.

New South Field Contemporary Glass Galleries

The New South Field Galleries addition links directly to the existing Sculpture Galleries, which occupy the original single-story international style Corning Glass Center Building. The proposed 37,000 sq.ft of additional gallery space is located on three floors of the new structure. Each floor is further divided into smaller open galleries, including the Ramp Gallery, each suitable for individual or group exhibitions. A link bridge connects the upper floor galleries back to the Glass Innovation Center circulation path.

Formally, the structure cantilevers out over the access road to act as a portal by day and a beacon by night. The exterior skin of the building expresses the molecular structural pattern of glass.

The proposal includes a reflecting pool to present new contemporary glass outdoor installations that employ static or floating water elements.

The Infill Galleries

The Infill Galleries addition links the Contemporary Sculpture Galleries, Art and History Building, and the Glass Innovation Center, by forming a new infill hub structure. The proposed additional gallery space is located on three floors of the new structure and in a new gallery space above the existing Sculpture Galleries.

Formally, the structure is a neutral series of stacked boxes, with each facade equipped with automatic-operating exterior solar louvers. The horizontality of each facade links the elevations back to the Glass Innovation Center and provides a foil for the expressive exterior facets of architect Gunnar Birkerts (1980) Art and History Building. A series of framed volumes penetrate the facades to present featured works from the permanent collections or special exhibitions.

The Roof Gallery

The Roof Gallery addition links to the Innovations Center admissions lobby by means of an introduction gallery. The additional gallery space is located in a new structure proposed as a Roof Gallery or 2nd Floor addition above the existing Steuben Glass factory and office.

Formally, the structure is a singular volume, with the facades equipped with automatic-operating exterior solar louvers. The horizontality of the facade, links the elevation back to the Glass Innovation Center. A series of framed volumes penetrate the facades to present featured works from the permanent collections or special exhibitions.