TThe project involved the interior fit-out of a substantial 90,000 square feet museum nestled in the heart of New York City, housed within a condominium that was once the iconic B. Altman Department Store, a few blocks away from the Empire State Building. Erected in the early 1900s, the building had undergone several additions and alterations over the years. This endeavor marked the expansion of the client's pre-existing enterprise in Seattle, Washington, bringing the essence of pop culture to the vibrant landscape of the East Coast.
Designing architecture that authentically captures the essence of pop culture posed a unique challenge. The dynamic, ever-changing, and subjective nature of pop culture stood in stark contrast to the static physicality of architecture. Serendipitously, opting for a fit-out within an existing building, especially one with a history as a former pop culture hotspot, felt remarkably fitting. The deliberate juxtaposition of the historical structure with new architectural elements serves as a visual metaphor for the perpetual flux within pop culture.
The overarching design objective centered on expressing transformation and encapsulating the vastness of the pop culture universe through materiality and, in some instances, form. Conceptually, the aim was to immerse visitors in the expansive tapestry of pop culture, allowing them to tangibly experience the ever-evolving landscape. The design, at its core, sought to evoke a sense of the dynamic and personal impact that pop culture exerts on individuals, creating a museum that not only houses artifacts but becomes a living, transformative testament to the cultural zeitgeist.
A crucial element of this transformative design was the ceiling, facilitating a formal transition from the Living Room to the adjacent shallow mezzanine, standing at a height of 8 feet 6 inches. To achieve this, the ceiling modules underwent a deliberate reduction in height and increased porosity as they transitioned from above the Living Room to above the mezzanine. This design choice aimed to instill a sense of openness and spatial continuity. The overall textured form of the ceiling embraced a playful nod to voxelation, embodying the concept of the pop culture universe. This thoughtful approach not only contributed to the aesthetic appeal of the space but also served as a dynamic visual metaphor, reinforcing the immersive and ever-evolving nature of pop culture throughout the museum.
