I am most inspired by my personal experiences in exhibition spaces, and what I hope to bring to the urban landscape through a lens of sustainability and community. The museums that stand out most to me are those that made me feel like I was being both transported and welcomed—public investment in wonder, beauty, and discovery that is accessible for all. Entering the beautiful foyers of the Met or Natural History Museum in NYC made my younger self feel like I belonged in beautiful spaces and could engage in arts/humanities/sciences at a higher level. I want to spark that same inspiration for others by building off the allure that I experienced in these historical spaces.
I want my exhibition space to bridge a classic, historical, elegant feel with natural, sustainable, and culturally engaged elements. Blending the old and the new, I want my space to feature:
- natural materials like light, wood, greenery
- structural elements/shapes reminiscent of the columns/iron of classic museums
- large open spaces that have flexibility/flow, but also nooks/crannies/cozy spaces
- locally sourced materials/art/exhibitions
- hands-on opportunities to engage with the building/space for people of all ages
- indoor/outdoor connection
- passive heating/cooling, solar
- integrated water/energy infrastructure
- connections to public transportation/access
- potential for the incorporation of other community assets like a public garden