North America
Stepping into a real life fossil at the Richard Gilder Center for Science
Ema Bakalova
Jan 27, 2024
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The American Museum of Natural History in New York City first opened its doors in 1881. For over a century, New Yorkers and visitors from around the world have cherished the opportunity to experience this diverse educational hub nestled in the heart of the city. In 2023, Studio Gang, renowned for visionary architecture emphasizing material exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability, proposed an extension to this historic building. It has since sparked a notable surge in museum visitors and attracted curious designers and architects eager to explore the space.
Redefining the museum experience
Thanks to Studio Gang's visionary efforts, The Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, nestled within the iconic American Museum of Natural History, offers a departure from the conventional museum archetype, redefining the visitor experience. It stands as a testament to the fusion of form and function, pushing the boundaries of traditional museum design. Unlike many new builds that showcase their form from the outside, the cave-like extension remains a hidden gem until you step inside. While the exterior hints at something intriguing within, it's only upon entering that the true wonder of the design is revealed.
The Gilder Center connects the past with the future, honoring the museum's rich history while embracing modern innovation. It combines a contemporary architectural language with the ever-evolving nature of scientific exploration.
How does the space make you feel?
As I was taking photos of the space, a passing child exclaimed, "Look dad! It looks like the moon!" I couldn't help but agree; the rocky surface of the walls and the expansive dark openings do resemble lunar craters. I initially perceived it differently though, the space reminded me of fossils or bones, as if the remains of a prehistoric organism were preserved or cast in rock. My boyfriend likened it to a cave, envisioning a large cavernous structure with vast underground chambers nestled within the hillside.
The essence lies in the fact that each individual perceives something unique in spaces that ignite the imagination. When you visit, consider asking yourself: What do you perceive?
Nature as Muse: Organic Inspiration
Like many artists and architects, Studio Gang's design philosophy frequently finds inspiration in nature, and the Gilder Center is no exception. Creating something that harmonizes with both the natural and built environments, creates a structure that resonates with its surroundings. The design is heavily inspired by organic shapes from natural ecosystems, creating a building that aligns with the museum's mission to celebrate nature's wonders.
Natural forms found in nature
Perhaps the design draws inspiration from natural structures like honeycombs, spider webs, or bird nests to optimize strength and efficiency.
“During one very cold winter in Chicago when we were modeling the space, we took a giant block of ice and melted it with hot water.”
–Jeanne Gang
When describing the fluid, cavernous interior spaces, architect Jeanne Gang said “During one very cold winter in Chicago when we were modeling the space, we took a giant block of ice and melted it with hot water.” Designers and architects frequently delve into unconventional methods during the design process, such as casting objects in plaster, to reveal and understand the natural shapes that emerge from such exploration. As designers, we have a knack for seeing potential shapes in things that others may overlook.
Connecting spaces
In my opinion, one of the most important roles of an architect lies in how they establish connections between interior spaces. The flow of spaces significantly influences the functionality of the building and shapes the overall experience of movement through it.
The Gilder Center's architectural language becomes a dialogue between the built environment and the biodiversity it showcases. Instead of a series of isolated exhibition spaces, the design is a fluid and interconnected environment. The large openings that you see all around you in the light-filled central hall are meant to provide views into different exhibition areas. You can peer from one opening into another, with views from below into the spaces above, and vice versa. The emphasis on connectivity fosters a more immersive experience for visitors encouraging interaction between one another as well as interaction with the surrounding space. With each space flowing into the next, visitors naturally progress from one space to another as they navigate through the building, a pattern that is similar to the dynamic, ever-changing narrative of the natural world.
How is a structure like this built?
While I walked through the building, one question that I just couldn’t stop thinking about was how this was built. The shapes are complex, there are vaulted openings and unique twists and turns throughout the whole building. How was this space built?
To achieve the illusion of these floating organic shapes, a combination of rebar and 'shotcrete' was employed. 'Shotcrete', a technique that involves spraying wet concrete onto a surface was used––a technique that is often used for pouring concrete foundations. Developed in 1907 by American taxidermist Carl Akeley to repair a deteriorating facade, this specialized concrete is formulated to be adhesive and resistant to flow when stationary. Its unique properties make it ideal for application on walls and ceilings, eliminating the need for traditional formwork and enabling the creation of distinctive, non-repetitive shapes. This method has become a viable option for placing structural concrete, restoring structural integrity, or increasing the structural capacity of existing concrete members. It's a really fascinating way of applying concrete!
The interplay of light and shadow
Light serves as a central element in defining the atmosphere of the Gilder Center. The design cleverly integrates natural light, casting shadows and highlighting the concrete surfaces of its organic forms. Windows and skylights flood the central atrium with light, resulting in unique patterns that dance across the surfaces of the structure. Like visitors moving in and out of the different spaces, the interplay of light and shadow also transitions between larger public areas and smaller connecting spaces, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior of this monumental structure. The placement of lighting also informs the programmatic layout. Public areas like the atrium, classrooms and the cafe are strategically positioned near the front of the museum, while gallery spaces are nestled deeper within.
I visited the building at midday, when the sunlight was at its peak. However, I can imagine that the building's appearance undergoes significant changes throughout the day, as the dynamic interplay of light influences the perception of its spaces.
Unique to New York: Contextual Relevance
Entering off of Columbus Avenue, you’ll first see the exterior of the building, nestled between two Romanesque buildings. The building offers a tantalizing preview of its interior with a commanding central glass facade that beckons passersby with a transparent view into the building. Around this central glass entrance are two enormous organic-shaped stone facades. These stone facades utilize a panel system, drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the neighboring buildings. The integration of the buiding's contemporary design with the historic surroundings reflects the theme present in the interior spaces, where modern design elements seamlessly merge with the original historic architecture.
The building represents an innovative solution to the challenges posed by urban constraints, particularly evident in a city like New York where space is very limited. The addition though, is uniquely tailored to New York City's urban density, maximizing on vertical space and embracing a compact footprint.
A New Chapter in Museum Architecture
The Richard Gilder Center addition at the American Museum of Natural History marks a new chapter in museum architecture. The visionary design of the Gilder Center goes beyond a mere structure—it becomes an immersive environment that fosters exploration, discovery, and education for people of all ages.
As visitors step into this unique architectural space, they embark on a journey through interconnected spaces that mirror the complexity and interconnectedness of the natural world. Studio Gang's design philosophy, coupled with a responsive and collaborative process, has birthed a space that not only celebrates the wonders of the museum's exhibits, but also becomes an exhibit in itself. The Gilder Center stands as a beacon of architectural innovation, inspiring a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment it seeks to understand and preserve.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to seek out unique traveling opportunities, spark your love for travel and discover beautiful architecture. If you liked this article, sign up to get notified whenever a new post gets published!
