studioMDA completed a proposal for the New Museum of African Art, now called the Africa Center. The new design called for a series of fluid spaces that would allow the facility to alternate between programs whenever needed. In doing so, the museum could maximize its percentage of utilization and minimize staffing requirements. Additionally, a certain percentage of the building’s square footage was left vacant for potential lessees, thus increasing the facilities potential earnings. These spaces would only be leased to other cultural organizations.
The floor plan of the museum is designed to allow continuous use and access to the building throughout the phases of construction. This helps the organization attract investors and provides them with the opportunity to hold events.
The locations of the museum’s entrances were relocated to create a unification of the interior and exterior public activities. The design of the plaza helped to enhance this connection while granting people a panoramic view of the entire ground floor plaza and seating to cultural events held both indoor and outdoor. A material and color contrast was given to the façade of the building to create a visual and programmatic heirachy.
