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Collection by Allie Weiss

Sneak Peek: New Whitney Museum Building Designed by Renzo Piano

For our third #ModernMonday Twitter chat with DesignMilk, the Whitney Museum of Art's new building project manager, Bill Maloney, joined us to talk about the museum's new structure in New York City. The building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, will open to the public in spring 2015. Click through the slideshow to see what the museum had to say about the much-anticipated project and the union between art and architecture. Join us every week on Twitter from 1-2 p.m. ET for a special conversation with a guest host.

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Q2: How do you design a flexible space around a collection that may grow and shift over time? A2: It’s impossible to anticipate how artists will want to use the space, but we do our best to try. So some things would be extraordinary floor & ceiling load capacity; power/data in floors & ceilings; light tracks; indoor/outdoor gallery space. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q2: How do you design a flexible space around a collection that may grow and shift over time? A2: It’s impossible to anticipate how artists will want to use the space, but we do our best to try. So some things would be extraordinary floor & ceiling load capacity; power/data in floors & ceilings; light tracks; indoor/outdoor gallery space. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q3: How do you create a space that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy? A3: With new facilities that will attract broader audiences: a theater, black box gallery, and dedicated education center. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q3: How do you create a space that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy? A3: With new facilities that will attract broader audiences: a theater, black box gallery, and dedicated education center. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q4: Museums are more than a just a backdrop for art. How do you build an inspirational environment? A4: The building itself is a work of art—from elevators by Richard Artschwager to the framed views of NYC and the Hudson. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q4: Museums are more than a just a backdrop for art. How do you build an inspirational environment? A4: The building itself is a work of art—from elevators by Richard Artschwager to the framed views of NYC and the Hudson. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q5: The Whitney’s been in its current home since 1966. How can designers embrace change while respecting history? A5: Our current building is our 3rd home. The Whitney was founded in the Village, so we are returning to our roots downtown. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q5: The Whitney’s been in its current home since 1966. How can designers embrace change while respecting history? A5: Our current building is our 3rd home. The Whitney was founded in the Village, so we are returning to our roots downtown. Pictured: The new Whitney Museum of American Art building, as of June 2014.
Q6: Location is a key factor. How important is it to consider your immediate surroundings and neighbors’ opinions? A6: It’s vital to understand your neighboring community and Piano’s design relates to its location in the Meatpacking District. Some examples: We achieved LEED gold status and also are working with the community on public art installations.
Q6: Location is a key factor. How important is it to consider your immediate surroundings and neighbors’ opinions? A6: It’s vital to understand your neighboring community and Piano’s design relates to its location in the Meatpacking District. Some examples: We achieved LEED gold status and also are working with the community on public art installations.