Renovation of Byerly Hall for Radcliffe Institute

for Advanced Study 

​

Cambridge, Massachusetts
project size: 35,000  sf

At the center of this renovation is the new Johnson Kulukundis Art Gallery. This project focused on inserting a contemporary, flexible art gallery into the heart of an unforgiving historic building.  Artists from around the world have been invited, and found the new facility welcoming beyond their imagination.  As a neutral shell, the space stands as backdrop to each artists installation. Features include mounting systems for all surfaces, floor, walls, and ceiling, along with a 3D space frame designed to be inserted into the gallery when it needs to be divided in to smaller rooms or spaces.  

The exterior masonry structure limited how extensive the building envelope might be modified.  However, inventive solutions to mechanical systems allow for temperature and humidity control, resulting in Harvard Art Museums to loan works of art to be hung here.

A copper entrance door announces the gallery, and welcomes visitors inside.  Due to the scale, mass, and general size of the door, opening it and entering, is an experience in itself; one that considers the visitor a “maker” of sorts for their own experiences.

Materials: polished concrete . copper . LED light . darkness