Oppenheim Architecture + Design

The Miami gallery is an extension of a predominant Paris gallery. The gallery will serve not only as an exhibition space but also as a residence for the gallery owner and as a living space for visiting artists.

 

Exposed t-beams, a curvaceous mosaic stair, and original terrazzo floors set the backdrop for the new gallery space. The fully tiled façade with exposed post and beam structure with clerestory lighting and soaring 11’-0” high glass creates subtle natural lighting ideal for viewing of art. The original structure, built in 1959, was a warehouse for wholesale material. The existing double height spaces originally designed to allow entrance of delivery trucks now create huge expansive walls for the display of artwork.

 

The largest challenge was to maintain the original character of the space and integrate the mechanical systems in an inconspicuous manner so as to allow the maximum clear wall space. Throughout the design and construction process artists and architects collaborated to meet the client’s strict aesthetic demands.

During Phase 2 of the construction, the adjacent lot, which originally served as a parking lot for the shipping and loading equipment, is reserved for the owner’s home and public gardens. Three volumes, which cantilever and appear to defy gravity create unobstructed spaces devoid of structure creating clear spaces ideal for the viewing of art which recall the original structure. The 3 volumes represent programmatic diversities transforming from public to private. The adjacent loading dock will be magically transformed to a lush tropical garden. An infinity edge pool passes under the new pool pavilion which gives the impression that the new structure is suspended on water.

 More