Museum of the Moving Image
Museum of the Moving Image
31. January 2011
On January 15 the Museum of the Moving Image opened an expansion that doubles its size to approximately 100,000 square feet. The museum renovated its landmark 1920’s building—appropriately a film studio originally—and added a striking pale blue volume at the rear, covered in over 1,000 aluminium triangles. Leeser Architecture answered some questions about this big addition to the firm’s oeuvre.
Facade
What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?
An invited competition.
Café and Lobby Space
Can you describe your design process for the building?
We began with a close study of the museum's needs and operations. Moving the entrance and creating a spine through the old building into the new, creates a seamless connection. Creating flexible spaces with multiple, curatorial options and an education center that works for visitors and staff were a priority throughout the design process.
Theater
How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?
The building represents and embodies most of the initial design intention.
How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?
This project is a breakout moment in regards to scale but completely aligned with past projects and competitions. The firm has been designing cultural projects involving the arts for many years.
How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?
The building qualifies as LEED Silver. A new museum typology that recognizes the importance and prevalence of the digital image.
E-Mail Interview conducted by John Hill
Museum of the Moving Image
2011
Astoria, Queens
Client
Museum of the Moving Image
Architect
Leeser Architecture
New York
Design Principal / Project Architect
Thomas Leeser
Project Manager
David Linehan
Design Team
Simon Arnold
Kate Burke
Sofia Castricone
Henry Grosman
Joseph Haberl
Owner’s Representative
Levien & Company, Inc.
Construction Manager
F.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc.
Audio/Visual
Scharff/Weisberg
Acoustician
Jaffe Holden Acoustics, Inc.
Lighting
L’Observatoire International
Graphics
karlssonwilker inc.
Exterior Wall
R. A. Heintges & Associates
MEP Engineers
Ambrosino, DePinto & Schmieder
Specification
Construction Specifications Inc.
Structural Engineers
Anastos Engineering Associates
Civil/Geo-Technical
Stantec
Code/Expediting
JAM Consultants, Inc.
Elevator
Van Deusen & Associates
Hazardous Materials
TRC Environmental Corporation
Projection Systems
MDC Group, LLC
Restaurant Program
JGL Foodservice Design
Security
Ducibella Venter & Santore
Sustainable Design
Atelier Ten
Telephone & Data
Shen Milsom Wilke
Textile Design
Cindy Sirko
Courtyard
David Dew Bruner
AV Contractor
Electrosonic Inc.
Security Contractor
Tritech Communications
Rendering
VUW
Photos
Peter Aaron, Esto Photographics Inc
Mamaroneck NY