The Museum of Performance and Design in California by MARK DZIEWULSKI ARCHITECT

Article source: MARK DZIEWULSKI ARCHITECT

This is the first international arts institution in the US devoted entirely to the performing arts and theatrical design. The site is in the heart of the museum district of San Francisco and our objective is to create an iconic piece of architecture that reflects the international focus of the institute and its stature as a world-class museum. Mikhail Baryshnikov agreed to collaborate with us as part of the design team. He has extensive technical knowledge and design skills relating to the design as well as the exhibit portrayals.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

• Architects: MARK DZIEWULSKI ARCHITECT
• Project: The Museum of Performance and Design
• Location: California, U.S.A
• Exhibition space, library and offices: 50,000 sq.ft. (4,650m2)
• Invited competition
• Finalist with Zaha Hadid, Diller and Scofidio and Steven Holl.
• Museum, library and offices.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

I first met Misha (Baryshnikov) to discuss the project in a café opposite the Paris opera house, where he had just been rehearsing. I had been sketching ideas and we sat and talked about how we could translate the meaning of the project into a built architectural form. My sketches were inspired by the movement and rhythm expressed in many of the performing arts. I had been drawing the path and flow of a series of dynamic movements and Misha started describing them with his hands in a very fluid and expressive way.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

He picked up a sheet of paper and curved it into the shape of the designs I had been sketching. Not only did the form begin to express the energy and tension that we wanted to portray but it also reminded us of several other forms that are associated with performance, such as sheet music, tape and film. We were also reminded of the twists of a conductor’s baton, the swirl of fabric in the clothes of a performer and the stage curtains that open to allow an audience into the world of the imagination.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

We were very excited that we had found an elegant yet pure form that could express in an abstract way the drama and energy of performance. We had several more meetings in New York at the “Baryshnikov Institute”, a new building of flexible performance spaces that Misha and his team had designed. His experience creating these spaces gives him invaluable knowledge for the museum and its performance spaces. —  Mark Dziewulski

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

The building is intended to not only be the ideal home to support the internal programs but also an opportunity to express the importance and mission of the museum within the larger community. As such it is intended to be striking and architecturally significant, providing a highly visible landmark that people will begin to identify with the museum. It is a serious and rigorous work of architecture but is also intended to be an exciting and optimistic design, crossing the boundaries of culture, education and age. At its best, architecture can be the universal language that can speak to all. A dynamic and sculptural design can catch the imagination.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Part of the mission of the museum is to bring the performing arts to a wider audience, particularly a younger one, which is a cause that Mr. Baryshnikov has always energetically supported. The project will be much more than a “museum” because it will not just show the collection but will be a living and vibrant center for learning about and experiencing the performing arts at first hand.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

In addition to the public exhibits the Museum also has a world-class collection and an extensive library, which are a very valuable resource for research. It will also be the nucleus for an extensive series of public outreach programs that will go into schools and community theaters, bringing the work of performing arts to a larger audience.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

This is a world-class design and the kind of thing that we now see in other major cities around the world”

San Francsico needs to build a big splashy building to demonstrate to the world this city has                                                                           – Curbed SF website

“Love it! SF needs a bit more flare like this!”
“This building is absolutely amazing.  This area needs something exciting.”
“Build this. Please!  – SocketSite website

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

This is an invited competition for a museum of the performing arts. Mikhail Baryshnikov participated with the concept. It is an abstract representation of performance and dance, and creates an iconic destination to attract a wide audience and especially children. Finalist with Zaha Hadid, Diller and Scofidio and Steven Holl.

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Image Courtesy © Mark Dziewulski Architect

Tags: California, U.S.A.

Category: Museum

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