Museum of the Moving Image

31. January 2011

Museum of the Moving Image
2011
Astoria, Queens

Client
Museum of the Moving Image

Architect
Leeser Architecture
New York

Design Principal / Project Architect
Thomas Leeser

Project Manager
David Linehan

Design Team
Simon Arnold
Kate Burke
Sofia Castricone
Henry Grosman
Joseph Haberl

Owner’s Representative
Levien & Company, Inc.

Construction Manager
F.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc.

Audio/Visual
Scharff/Weisberg

Acoustician
Jaffe Holden Acoustics, Inc.

Lighting
L’Observatoire International

Graphics
karlssonwilker inc.

Exterior Wall
R. A. Heintges & Associates

MEP Engineers
Ambrosino, DePinto & Schmieder

Specification
Construction Specifications Inc.

Structural Engineers
Anastos Engineering Associates

Civil/Geo-Technical
Stantec

Code/Expediting
JAM Consultants, Inc.

Elevator
Van Deusen & Associates

Hazardous Materials
TRC Environmental Corporation

Projection Systems
MDC Group, LLC

Restaurant Program
JGL Foodservice Design

Security
Ducibella Venter & Santore

Sustainable Design
Atelier Ten

Telephone & Data
Shen Milsom Wilke

Textile Design
Cindy Sirko

Courtyard
David Dew Bruner

AV Contractor
Electrosonic Inc.

Security Contractor
Tritech Communications

Rendering
VUW

Photos
Peter Aaron, Esto Photographics Inc
Mamaroneck NY

On January 15 the Museum of the Moving Image opened an expansion that doubles its size to approximately 100,000 square feet. The museum renovated its landmark 1920’s building—appropriately a film studio originally—and added a striking pale blue volume at the rear, covered in over 1,000 aluminium triangles. Leeser Architecture answered some questions about this big addition to the firm’s oeuvre.

Facade

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

An invited competition.

Café and Lobby Space

Can you describe your design process for the building?

We began with a close study of the museum's needs and operations. Moving the entrance and creating a spine through the old building into the new, creates a seamless connection. Creating flexible spaces with multiple, curatorial options and an education center that works for visitors and staff were a priority throughout the design process.

Theater

How does the completed building compare to the project as designed? Were there any dramatic changes between the two and/or lessons learned during construction?

The building represents and embodies most of the initial design intention.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

This project is a breakout moment in regards to scale but completely aligned with past projects and competitions. The firm has been designing cultural projects involving the arts for many years.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The building qualifies as LEED Silver. A new museum typology that recognizes the importance and prevalence of the digital image.

E-Mail Interview conducted by John Hill