The Morgan Library and Museum / 2006

ArchitectRenzo Piano Building Workshop

Executive ArchitectBeyer Blinder Belle

Structural EngineerRobert Silman Associates

Services EngineerTranssolar Energietechnik GmbH / Cosentini Associates

ContractorF.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc.

Façade ContractorGartner USA

The Morgan houses a world-renowned collection of art and artifacts, which include manuscripts, rare books, music, drawings and other works of art ranging from the ancient to the contemporary. The library and museum aims to preserve this collection and the legacy of Pierpont Morgan, but also is dedicated to displaying, studying and interpreting this exemplary record of art and civilization for public enjoyment and inspiration. This project consists of a 108,000 ft2 (10,000 m2) renovation and expansion of the existing Murray Hill Campus on Madison Avenue, doubling the previous exhibition space. The new construction extends 50 ft (15.2 m) below and three stories above ground. The program includes an auditorium, archives, and three pavilions, which house a reading room, gallery, and administration. These are linked by a glass and steel piazza and by a series of glass and steel staircases. In keeping with the classical fenestration rhythm of the adjacent buildings, all new façade systems conform to a 6 ft (1.8 m) module. The exterior envelope includes a welded steel plate rain screen, low-iron and solar-controlled glazed curtain walls and roof systems, and interior and exterior static and dynamic shading devices. These systems carefully control daylight levels and moderate the interior environment. Front collaborated on the design of these systems beginning in schematic design and continuing through construction administration.