Snøhetta Designs Architectural and Landscape Restoration for the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin
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Transforming the typical artistic experience for art institutions, Snøhetta has proposed a design for renovate the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. The extensive remodeling of the land seeks “unify and revitalize the museum campus, through architectural and landscape improvements”. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2021 and conclude by the end of 2022.
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The Blanton Museum of Art was founded in 1963 and is famous for housing one of the largest art collections open to the public in Texas, says the institution’s director, Simone Wicha:
Open the museum to the city, invite people not only to appreciate art, but also to stay, meet and get inspired before and after each visit
Led by Snøhetta, the renovation works will also include a large public mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera.
Focused on Moody Patio, a meeting place for existing structures, the proposal will feature “15 graceful petal-shaped structures forming a canopy located at the southern end of the Blanton campus”. Inspired by the vaults of the original project, the annex will establish a visual identity for Blanton.
The new architectural elements will highlight the entrances, in order to change the experience of the visitors. Further, “To amplify Blanton’s popular and innovative music programming, the design incorporates two raised platforms to present live music and other performances.”
Craig Dykers, Founding Partner of Snøhetta:
Blanton is prominently located at the intersection of the new Texas Capitol Complex and serves as the gateway to the college campus. Our ingenious landscaping and remodeling of building entrances are in line with this. The project expands the museum’s art collection beyond galleries and creates a public space for the arts in Austin.
The project suggests improvements in the landscape, introducing paths and meeting areas that improve the use of spaces. On this, director Simone Wicha says that “the landscape has the power to transform a community, in the same way that great art can transform our hearts and minds“.
Building on the unique character and resilience of native Texas flora, the proposal will introduce more than 25,000 new plants to the museum grounds, 95% of which are native to Texas.
Serving the university and city communities, the new grounds initiative will also improve the north and south gateways of the site, as well as the entry points for visitors to the museum and the University of Texas.
A cultural anchor in the rapidly changing district, the project will launch “a winding pathway landscaped with native plants will wind its length, connecting all entrances to the museum and offering small garden areas and seating to relax and socializeAdditionally, the hallways of both buildings will be redesigned to accommodate overall campus changes.
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