Image Credit: Michael Moran
Open since early November, the Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art & Education is the most significant expansion of the Woodmere Museum opened, which opened in 1910 in Philadelphia. The project renovates a 19th-century residence and provides the museum with fourteen additional galleries. Matthew Baird Architects answered a few questions about the project.
What were the circumstances of receiving this commission?
Baird Architects worked on a comprehensive plan for Woodmere Musuem, through which we identified a need for further exhibition and storage space. When neighboring Maguire Hall become available, the director of Woodmere, Bill Valerio, identified it as a solution.
What makes this project unique?
It combines a 19th century historic estate with exhibition needs of contemporary arts culture, and it has new ideas regarding connection to the estate grounds.
What is the inspiration behind the design of the building?
Fusing historic landscape with contemporary programming and breathing new life into an old estate that may have otherwise been demolished.
How did the site impact the design?
Contemporary ethos of environment and landscape, as expressed through the work of Andropogon, transformed the relationship between the building and the grounds.
To what extent did the owner, client, or future users of the building affect the design?
Bill Valerio (Woodmere director) was an active collaborator and pushed the design team to maximize arts and community impact.
Were there any significant changes from initial design to completion?
The initial scope was to add a freestanding auditorium as well as a restaurant to the back, which due to budgetary constraints are now part of a second phase of construction.
How does the building relate to other projects in your office?
Like many of our adaptive reuse projects, it is the juxtaposition of traditional historic preservation with contemporary architectural expression.
Email interview conducted by John Hill.