The American Institute of Architects just featured a stunning project that we had to share- The Wright, a new restaurant at the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim is a classic New York architectural icon, one of the most well-known and loved of all Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations. The architect tasked with creating the first ever addition to the building’s famous interior was honored, obviously, but still; the pressure must have been intense.
Despite the pressure of amending one of the most iconic buildings in New York (and possibly the world), the end result is absolutely gorgeous. Andre Kikoski Architect says of the project, “[it] was both an incredible honor and an exhilarating challenge,” creating a contemporary restaurant space in just 1,600 square feet, with a limited budget.
The Wright manages to convey a relation to the existing space, while still retaining a distinct character of its own. A wide variety of high tech materials were used, from fiber optic-layered walnut to custom metalwork. Finally, site-specific art by Liam Gillick adds a dynamic dose of color and texture, a fabulous finishing touch that makes the space pop.
This project must have been an intense challenge, but it turned out amazingly well, another great example of imaginative, innovative, and fun architecture!
Photos by Peter Aaron via AIA
