Shigeru Ban, Hon. FAIA, designed the new Aspen Art Museum in Colorado like a ski slope—you go up before you come down. Opening to the public on Saturday, the building is the Japanese architect's first permanent museum in the United States.
When Carolina Miranda wrote about the design for the museum's new location back in March, mere days before Ban won the Pritzker Prize, she noted that "the architect has delivered a simple three-story structure free of tight angles, ovoid shapes, or curving walls. This includes half a dozen galleries, an artist residency area, education spaces, and conservation studios, all told occupying a total 33,000 square feet. The galleries are large and column-free, with flexible partition walls capable of accommodating large-scale sculpture and installation. The rooftop garden functions as entrance hall, public gathering area, and outdoor projection space."
The museum opened last weekend for members, and is hosting a public "24-Hour Opening" beginning on Saturday at 5 p.m. The agenda includes guided tours, dream interpretations, yoga, and live performances.
Check out ARCHITECT's Project Gallery for more images and information on the Aspen Art Museum as well as other projects by Shigeru Ban Architects.
