A monolithic concrete gallery space was recently erected at the Glenstone Museum in Maryland. The paired-back structure measures 4,096 square feet and it was designed by American architecture studio Thomas Phifer and Partners.
The materials used for the monolithic concrete gallery are powerful, to say the least. The firm used cast-in-place structural concrete and stainless steel for the doors. Skylights enable the only influx of natural light in the space. The building was specifically designed to house a sculptural work by Richard Serra—a celebrated American artist who is best known for his site-specific landscape, urban, and architectural interventions. The work in question is called Four Rounds: Equal Weight, Unequal Measure. This piece was completed in 2017 by the renowned artist.
Monolithic Concrete Gallery Spaces
This Structure by Thomas Phifer Will House Richard Serra’s Work
Trend Themes
1. Monolithic Architecture - The use of powerful, raw materials and monumental casts to create impactful exhibition spaces on a grand scale.
2. Site-specific Art - The creation of large-scale artworks that respond specifically to the environments, people, and architecture that they occupy, thereby making previously unseen connections.
3. Natural Light Integration - The intentional use of natural lighting conditions to add dynamics and facets to visual art installations, as well as opportunities to reduce carbon footprints and lower energy bills.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - There is an opportunity for architects to explore the use of raw materials in significant, minimalistic, and sustainable architectural designs for galleries and exhibition spaces.
2. Art - Artists have an opportunity to create site-specific installations that utilize architecture and environment to create continuity and deeper context for their works.
3. Sustainability - The integration of environmentally conscious features in a space, like natural light, could reduce energy consumption and lower overall carbon footprints of large exhibition spaces.