Ansel Adams Gallery

1615, M Street Northwest, Washington, DC, United States

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Ansel Adams Gallery

1615, M Street Northwest, Washington, DC, United States

Firm

Group Goetz Architects PC - GGA

YEAR

2010

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

The Ansel
Adams Gallery at The Wilderness Society is the centerpiece of a renovation of
the existing headquarters in Washington, DC.
The renovation included and update and reconfiguration of the office
space, energy savings enhancements, new finishes, and the creation of a special
gallery for the society’s treasured collection of Ansel Adams photographs.

As a gift to
the Wilderness Society, The Ansel Adams Foundation donated more than 75 of his
most remarkable landscape photographs, broken into 12 different collections.
Due to constraints of the current layout, however, many of these pieces remain
in storage. The Architect’s design approach focused on designing a space worthy
of serving as a permanent home for Adams’ work. The new design, consisting of
simple architectural elements, creates a minimal backdrop for the artwork and
learning experience.

Free-flowing compartments create space within space and symbolize the
separation of one collection from another. A central wall serves as the “spine”
of the gallery in which two contrasting settings exist on either side.
Looking out
over the plaza, the main side of the spine makes use of natural light filtering
in through screened windows. High ceilings give the area a sense of openness
that parallels the rolling land found throughout many of Adams’ images. On the
opposing side, a narrower, more intimate setting uses soft lighting to draw
visitors toward the photographs and the intimacy of detailed landscapes.

The
mechanical systems and lighting were carefully integrated into the space to
appear transparent to the visitor, but delivered the systems’ functions in a
way the enhanced the setting, showcased the photos, and protected the assets.
The office portion of the project required surgical renovations within the
existing space while remaining fully occupied. Renovations included updating
lighting to meet current energy codes and sustainable practices.