Situated in San Francisco’s Civic Center, the Asian Art Museum is described as home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, with more than 18,000 pieces of art curated with the intention of inspiring museum-goers through Asian and Asian American art. Initially established more than 50 years ago, the premier art venue underwent a massive project in 2017, the $38 million endeavor made to accommodate large exhibitions as well as a contemporary art program. Designed by WHY Architecture, the new exhibition space, the Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion and East West Bank Art Terrace, was completed in 2020.
In a description of their work, WHY Architects shared, “The new pavilion, clad in innovative terracotta tiling, is one of the largest column-free exhibition spaces in San Francisco. The faceted tilework is a sensitive yet striking reinterpretation of the rusticated granite on the original façade, and the pavilion as a whole fits within the datum lines of historic structure. The roof of the building provided the opportunity for an outdoor art terrace, and the WHY Landscape Workshop were instrumental in developing a program which could accommodate contemporary sculpture, events, and performances. The terrace also generates an important circulation solution, allowing for an intuitive transition between the historic building and the contemporary pavilion. The sustainability of the new spaces was also a primary consideration; the museum is certified LEED Gold, and the museum as a whole is categorized LEED EBOM.”
Housed within the city’s first Main Library, the building boasts Beaux-Arts style of architecture, reminiscent of classic, grandiose European buildings of the 19th century. The establishment of the art museum, particularly the new pavilion, provides a unique blend of traditional architecture with contemporary design. Modern innovation is exemplified in the incorporation of Pure + Freeform panels in a timeless custom silver finish.
The Pure + Freeform panels are fortified with Lumiflon FEVE Resin technology, providing a plethora of benefits that other coatings do not. With its superior weatherability, FEVE-based coatings are able to withstand extended periods of time exposed to moisture, salt, UV radiation, and other deterrents that contribute to coating degradation. The fluoropolymer offers excellent durability, allowing a coating to remain in pristine condition for decades, also helping with the reduction of lifecycle costs.
Photography ©Scott Hargis
Categories Architecture