[Diller] had great respect for the Folk Art Museum, calling it a “bespoke” design tailored to the needs of the museum. She went through several scenarios on how to integrate the museum in the expanded footprint. [...]
Adapting the Folk Art Museum building, however, would basically compromise the building’s interior beyond recognition. [...]
The architects would have had to destroy the Folk Art Museum building in order to save it.
— Architect Magazing
In what looks like the kiss of death for the #folkMoMA movement, Diller Scofidio + Renfro's design for MoMA's expansion will necessitate the destruction of the neighboring American Folk Art Museum, as proposed today in a MoMA press conference. The initial threat to the Folk Museum was made last spring when MoMA announced its redevelopment plans, provoking a widespread preservationist movement among architects, rallying under #folkMoMA.
To catch-up on #folkMoMA's history, see #8 in Archinect's coverage for the Top 13 Issues of 2013.
Here are some concept sketches for the new MoMA, via Architect Magazine (image credit: Diller Scofidio + Renfro).
54 Comments
The FAM thought they were doing the right thing by building a really good building. Then, like everyone else, the market crashed.
davvid: what building would you lament if it was lost? Or do you not care about anything material?
Hi Thayer!
How is your 2014 going so far? Well, I hope ....
you should take your "I wonder what ..." and "I suspect ..." and spend some time in an archive. Otherwise the reek of your schadenfreude and rhetoric is overwhelming.
Bye!!
to 'design' and 'boy in a well',
How's your desire to silence all those that don't agree with your world view going? No vile personal attacks? Must be a new years resolution for you guys. Good luck with that and better luck living with those that you deem not worthy, it's a big world out there.
Happy new year!
Donna, sorry, but it's pretty naive to think that DSR could have gone in and told MOMA, "We've got a great plan to save the FAM!" and MOMA would have listened to them. It just doesn't work that way. Furthermore, as much as some of us would like to idealize firms like DSR for running a "critical practice," the truth is they run a business like all architects do, are in a position to land a prize commission, fully understand how the winds of demolition are blowing in MOMA's boardroom, and are making the most of a fait accompli.
Again, if you want to point fingers, they should be pointed squarely at MOMA. They are the ones who wield the decision-making power, and they are the ones who hold responsibility.
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