The art gallery, as an architectural typology, is not known for being complicated. The basic white cube is de rigueur, its sleek minimalism a way of allowing the space to take a backseat to the art. As simple showrooms, galleries have always been smaller and narrower in scope than museums, whose grander public purpose has justified the monolithic vaults of yore, and today, often results in iconic pieces of contemporary architecture. Galleries are less frequently associated with interesting, nuanced design. However, new galleries are cropping up that challenge this idea, by creating spaces with elevated attention to detail and user experience, and an ability to enhance the art they display. From lofty urban towers to renovated historic buildings to artist-architect collaborations, these spaces make the art viewing and art buying experience a much more encompassing one. And, it bears noting that they aren't just showrooms anymore — galleries are increasingly becoming places of leisure, many of them taking on more varied and publicly-oriented programming. It makes sense to transform them into inviting spaces that appeal to a wide audience. Taking cues from museums, these spaces are making their statements by experimenting with light, surface, and form. Additionally, flexible space is ...
The art gallery, as an architectural typology, is not known for being complicated. The basic white cube is de rigueur, its sleek minimalism a way of allowing the space to take a backseat to the art. As simple showrooms, galleries have always been smaller and narrower in scope than museums, whose grander public purpose has justified the monolithic vaults of yore, and today, often results in iconic pieces of contemporary architecture. Galleries are less frequently associated with interesting, nuanced design. However, new galleries are cropping up that challenge this idea, by creating spaces with elevated attention to detail and user experience, and an ability to enhance the art they display. From lofty urban towers to renovated historic buildings to artist-architect collaborations, these spaces make the art viewing and art buying experience a much more encompassing one. And, it bears noting that they aren't just showrooms anymore — galleries are increasingly becoming places of leisure, many of them taking on more varied and publicly-oriented programming. It makes sense to transform them into inviting spaces that appeal to a wide audience. Taking cues from museums, these spaces are making their statements by experimenting with light, surface, and form. Additionally, flexible space is ...