The Virginia Commonwealth University's Institute of Contemporary Art is an art institution with no collection of its own dedicated to contemporary art. Its new building, officially called the Markel Center, is located on the edge of the university campus, at the busiest intersection in Richmond, as it is intended not only for students and teachers, but also for the general public, especially since it is free to enter.
Stephen Hall reflected the lack of linearity in the development of modern art in a “time fork”: the volume of the building diverges into several cantilever blocks. In addition, the building takes into account the blurred boundaries between visual and performing arts that are characteristic of the modern situation, so its premises can be used in a variety of ways. The halls located on different floors can accommodate a single exhibition, four different ones, or any intermediate options. There is also a 240-seat auditorium suitable for concerts, film screenings, theater and ballet performances. Other premises include a training laboratory, a sculpture garden on one of the roofs, administrative and utility rooms, a lobby, a cafe and bar, and a concept store.
The facades are faced with titanium-zinc, transparent and translucent glass are also used. In the adjacent garden, where the space of the institute "splashes out", a reservoir is arranged, local plant species that do not require special watering are planted. Among the environmental components of the project are natural lighting in the interior, green roofs, geothermal heating and cooling systems, LED lamps, mixers with reduced water pressure, etc. The total area of the building is 3,800 m2, the project budget is $ 41 million.
