Slade Architecture

This project for the Greenberg Van Doren Gallery in St. Louis required the renovation of an existing three-story building to provide gallery space, offices, and storage for this Art Gallery.

The ground floor serves as the public gallery and loading area.  The floor and ceiling were kept rough, in keeping with the existing building structure and expression.  Display walls are clean, white, plaster with the front wall opening directly onto the facing park, through a series of French doors.

The second floor is divided into three bands of space running from the front to the back of the building.  Each band has unique spatial and material qualities that generated and accentuate the distinct functions of each band. The western zone is the library conference room and the private offices of the two partners.  It is entirely lined with paneling and bookshelves.  The ceiling is a glossy membrane that mirrors the interior, visually doubling the space.   The eastern zone of the space is the support space.  It includes offices, copy/supply room, toilets, kitchenette, and stairway.  The central zone serves as an informal gallery and the link between the east and west sides.  It is defined by a new double height skylight and a 24 foot tall display wall.  At night the membrane that encloses the skylight opening glows with lighting concealed behind the membrane.

The third floor is divided into a gallery space and support spaces for photography, a shop and art storage areas.