The expressive solution of the complex makes it possible to refer it to the buildings of deconstructivists; at the same time, the streamlined volumes of steel, patinated zinc and glass resemble the outlines of the nearby mountains.
On an area of 7,000 sq. m (four times larger than the old museum) will house open-plan galleries, an auditorium, an educational center for children, a bookstore and other essential elements of a modern museum building.
Beneath the mountaintop-like glass volume in the middle of the structure, there will be a referral center, ticket offices, space for temporary installations and informal social events.
Construction of the $ 46 million building will begin this fall and will end at the end of 2007.
It is the first project of Randall Stout's large freestanding museum building, renowned for his commitment to green architecture. He received this order as a result of a competition held in 2001-2002; among his competitors was, in particular, Antoine Predok.
