Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum

Project Details

Project Description

FROM THE ARCHITECTS:

The design by Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism reveals a cultural campus that begins to realize the bold vision of the organization’s Master Plan. The Master Plan aims to enhance the visitor experience by creating welcoming spaces that reflect the natural beauty of Southwest Florida and allow for enhanced dialogue between the visual and performing arts programs of Artis—Naples.

“It is inspiring to think about introducing Naples to a reimagined Baker Museum,” said Artis—Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen. “This first project of the Master Plan incorporates all of the elements that our mission has grown to encompass over three decades: visual arts, performing arts, education and social engagement. I look forward to sharing each and every one of these beautiful new spaces with the entire community.”

“Our design for the renovation and expansion of The Baker Museum nests a series of interlocking indoor and outdoor spaces that create an open garden courtyard for programmed and spontaneous events,” said Michael Manfredi and Marion Weiss. Adding, “It capitalizes on the multidisciplinary nature of Artis—Naples and makes visible the transformative interchanges between all the arts.”

The first project of the Master Plan is the repair and expansion of The Baker Museum. The Baker Museum has been closed since September 6, 2017 due to water intrusion and damage to the facade sustained from Hurricane Irma and the storms of 2017. The design for the Museum ensures resistance against future storms while expanding to launch the vision of the Master Plan. The removal of the glass dome-shaped Figge Conservatory allows for a larger lobby, relocation of the museum store, museum ticketing and a reference library. A monumental exterior staircase ascends the new facade, providing a private entrance for special events in the second-floor expansion.

The Norris Garden, the courtyard between The Baker Museum and Hayes Hall—the 1,477 seat performing arts space—doubles in size and physically connects the two primary art forms of Artis—Naples. This unifying space encourages social engagement among participants of all disciplines and benefits from lush landscaping in a tropical environment.

The 17,650 square-foot expansion to the south creates three new, flexible spaces designed to accommodate a variety of art forms and supports the interdisciplinary mission of the organization. The southern facade of the museum building is the most dramatic, offering glimpses into the artistic activities taking place within the new spaces as well as social gathering in the Norris Garden.

The new event space on the second floor, complete with glass doors that open to welcome the gulf breeze, is equally at home hosting large catered receptions as well as rehearsals and performances.

A breakout gallery with seating and a view of the courtyard is added on the third floor, allowing patrons the ability to move from their museum gallery experience to the outdoor sculpture terrace to the south. The outdoor service counter and reception space is ideal for pre- or post-event drinks and socializing. At this elevation, views to the west allow patrons to enjoy sunsets during their Artis—Naples visit.

Project Credits
Project: Artis-Naples, The Baker Museum, Naples, Fla.
Architect: Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism, New York. Marion Weiss, FAIA, partner; Michael Manfredi, FAIA, partner; Patrick Armacost, senior project manager, master plan; Armando Petruccelli, senior project architect/manager; Joseph Littrell, project architect; Vivian Chen, project designer; Scott Chung, project designer; Andreas Hausler, Assoc. AIA, technical coordinator; Anne Lawren, project designer; Vardhan Mehta, Assoc. AIA, project designer assistant; Andrew Zientek, project architect landscape
Owner's Representative: Cost+Plus
Construction Manager: Manhattan Construction Company
Associate Architectural Representative: Andrea Clark Brown Architects
Structural Engineer: Magnusson Klemencic Associates
M/E/P/ FP and ICT/ Engineering: Stantec
Civil-Site Engineeringand Planning: Stantec
Acoustics/AV Consulting: Akustiks
Architectural Lighting: Tillotson Design Associates
Code Consultant: Code Consultants
Envelope Waterproofing Consultant: Simpson Gumpertz and Heger
Food Service: Davella Studios
Vertical Transportation: Joseph Neto & Associates and A Lerch Bates Company
Architectural Representative: Andrea Clark Brown Architects