The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, located at the northern edge of the Michigan State University campus, and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is a building of many faces. There are many faces and many views of many characters, all offering slight views into the museum’s envelope, but none ever quite ‘giving away the secret’.
From an analysis of the many pathways and lines of circulation and interaction which cross and approach and glance the museum’s site, the derivation of a building proceeded by folding these lines up and into the building form which the architects describe as an ‘urban carpet’. In this way, the building is derived from the context in which it sits.
photography by © Paul Warchol
The above stated topographical and circulatory information is also incorporated into the museum’s facade, which is composed of a pleated metal skin. The pleating direction and qualities shift almost constantly, though still within certain patches of like pleating. Incorporated into these pleats are the windows mentioned above. They create an ever changing glimpse into the museum, inciting interest and underlining the aspirations of the museum to act as a cultural hub for the community.
photography by © Paul Warcholphotography by © Paul Warchol
Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects