North Carolina Museum of Art featured in Architectural Record

The recently completed addition to the North Carolina Museum of Art has been featured in this month's issue of Architectural Record. The article provides a breakdown of most of the major formal moves by Thomas Phifer and Partners, as well as some fantastic photography. If for nothing but the photography, it is worth following the link. The article also calls to attention a precedent we had also thought of after visiting the new museum - Kahn's Kimbell Art Museum in Dallas, specifically the skylight detail. The skylights bring in ample, high quality natural light to allow the artwork of NCMA's permanent collection to be viewed the way it is supposed to be.

addition to NCMA under construction December 2009

Although we're not thoroughly convinced of all the aspects of the building; such as the entry, exterior form/skin, and at least one of the sculptures on the grounds (the tree that looks to be a knockoff of a similar one located in RDU Terminal 2) I must say that the interior of the building itself is an experience unlike any I have ever encountered. In an age of objectified buildings, the interior of the NCMA allows the visitor to essentially forget the building itself even exists and becomes a blank canvas of sorts for the collection. That is the real strength and beauty of the building - its success in remaining true to its purpose.