The Denver Art Museum has received a facelift thanks to design firms Machado Silvetti Architects and Fentress Architects. The museum was originally designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti back in 1971 and was known for its tower-like structure. After numerous years of partial closure, the updated museum will reopen its doors to the public on October 24.
Macahdo Silvetti Architects and Fentress Architects collaborated to create a brand-new welcome center that features a rounded frame and floor-to-ceiling windows connecting the indoors to the outdoors. The original structure featured exterior lighting that ran along the entire building's facade. To keep true to the original design, the architects replaced those lights with an enhanced LED system.
The architects wanted to stay true to Gio Ponti's original aesthetic and did so by consciously redesigning and redeveloping.
Respectful Architectural Refurbishments
The Upgraded Denver Art Museum Reopens to the Public
Trend Themes
1. Architectural Refurbishments - Design firms are finding opportunities in respectful refurbishments to update and enhance the original aesthetic of historical structures.
2. Indoor-outdoor Connectivity - Design firms are incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows and other features to form strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces in commercial buildings.
3. Sustainable Lighting - LED lighting is being utilized to replace outdated lighting systems in buildings, providing a sustainable solution for architects and designers.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architecture firms are collaborating to restore and enhance historical structures, providing new opportunities for innovation and design.
2. Museums and Cultural Institutions - Museums and cultural institutions are investing in architectural updates to enhance visitor experiences and attract new audiences.
3. Sustainability - The use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable lighting is becoming increasingly important in architecture and design industries.