Living Dead
Concept
By taking elements from the existing building and examining them closely in terms of how they may be re-used and re-created contributes to a new way of thinking for the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The sculpture works of Carl Milles located at the Orpheus Fountain suggested a language that has been frozen through time. The Living Dead here does not only refer to those sculptures but also to the footprint of Saarinen’s building which once stood as the architects’ endeavour and his expectations of the students. This spirit that is embedded in the building should be revealed but not forgotten, therefore, the shadows cast by the dead should reflect on the live (visitors) in present time.
Although the building was first placed to meet needs at that time, it now lacks of contact with the surroundings. In order to prevent the strong elements from vanishing, the existing building should embrace itself more to the public, and unlock itself from the crypt, in order to bridge the separateness of time. The past will co-exist with the living present in the same context to continue the flow of time.
Approach
The primary architectural scheme is to preserve the existing building and create a new entrance system which is formed by attached ‘glass boxes’ to both the south facade of the library and museum. The crafted windows are preserved while other parts are demolished to connect internal spaces with the landscape garden beyond. The two separate glass boxes contain ramps and staircase that take visitors to the new underground gallery spaces and library. The fabrication of glass is a medium that captures the essence of existing building structure and at the same time connects to the wider campus.
By mixing of old and new material, taking away and bringing in new elements, the spaces created are locked yet unlocked. The building therefore retains a clear distinction which Saarinen wished, but adds dimensions that introduces new experiences concerning ‘outside’ or ‘inside’, ‘under’ or ‘above’, ‘past’ or ‘present’.
The key proposal driven by the concept as follow are:
- To form a new entrance that emphases and celebrates the existing building.
- To continue Saarinen’s idea of duality – separate Library and Museum.
- Storage of art pieces becomes more accessible and visible to visitors.
- More intimate curator and visitor’s relationship.
- To bring the complexity of layers into a new context unimaginable without the existing structures.
Innovation
The visible additions provides for a new environmental system from the double skin insertion that provide an efficient ventilation and energy conservation from this acting as a solar device. Glass floor at the lower level of the museum is supported by the structure for Mobile Shelving system at the lowest level. It allows visitors to visualise the activities and movements at the storage level from the exhibition space above. The library exhibition area contains a 6m high book shelf extended from the lower level – where reading spaces and reference books are stored. It links the two levels and becomes part of the structure that supports the atrium while it becomes visible.
