The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York stands as the picture of architectural innovation. Originally a historic movie studio complex, this 60,000-square-foot museum underwent a comprehensive renovation in July 2013, including a striking 40,000-square-foot addition. Central to its captivating design is the usage of Lumiflon FEVE fluoropolymer resins, which provide a plethora of benefits that boast both aesthetics and performance.
The museum’s futuristic exterior is clad in triangular-cut aluminum panels, installed by MG McGrath Inc, which are reminiscent of the sky. These panels are coated with PPG’s Coraflon ADS, featuring high-performance FEVE fluoropolymer resins that contribute to the stunning visual impact. The light-blue nickel satin finish creates a sleek, modern appearance that stands out while blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
One of the standout features of FEVE fluoropolymer is its exceptional durability. The coating provides excellent weatherability, protecting the aluminum panels from the harsh effects of UV radiation, moisture, and other elemental deterrents that would contribute to coating degredation. This ensures that the museum’s exterior maintains its vibrant color and finish over time, reducing maintenance needs and costs.
FEVE resins offer unparalleled gloss and color retention, intensifying the brightness and reflectivity of the panels. FEVE-based coatings’ overall high performance enhances the structure’s aesthetic. This quality is crucial for projects aiming for a striking visual impact, as it ensures that colors remain vivid and consistent throughout the years.
Mike P. McGrath, president of MG McGrath, beautifully summarizes the effect of the design: “Light blue in color, the panels look razor-sharp but create the impression of a super-light floating skin dematerialized against the sky: another visual reference in the architecture to the infinite thinness of the moving image.” This reflects the ability of FEVE fluoropolymer to support not only functional requirements but also the artistic vision behind modern architecture.
Images and information courtesy of © Metal Architecture
Categories Architecture