colgate university center for art and culture by david adjaye

colgate university center for art and culture by david adjaye
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

david adjaye associates has presented plans for a ‘center for art and culture (CAC)’ to be built at colgate university in hamilton, new york. the scheme brings together the region’s anthropological and fine art collections, forming a vibrant and active facility intended for both education and recreation.

situated at the heart of the community, on the site of a former hardware store, the cultural complex sits in the region’s growing commercial district reinforcing connections between the village, the university and the wider population. 

the built form occupies approximately half the plot, leaving room for an external public space
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

referencing the geometry of neighboring buildings and the town’s asymmetric road system, the structure is comprised of three distinct volumes set at different angles. the stacked compositions follow the scale of the village, where each component accommodates a specific program.

oriented towards the street, a 15-foot tall community building will house public functions, offices, a reception and further amenities. works from colgate’s picker art gallery and longyear museum of anthropology would be relocated to the venue, alongside new seminar rooms and archive facilities.

repeated vertical blades made from pre-cast stone panels reflect the tones of adjacent brick buildings
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

the units’ façades are clad in repeated vertical blades made from pre-cast stone panels, which reflect the tones of adjacent brick buildings. a completely transparent elevation allows passersby a glimpse inside the complex, while clerestory windows and uplighting illuminate the structure. the built form occupies approximately half the plot, leaving ample room for a sculpture garden and open public space.

david adjaye associates won the competition to design the project on 2012, and once approvals and funding is in place, construction is scheduled to last one year.

the scheme brings together the region’s anthropological and fine art collections
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

the brightly lit entry foyer is clad in natural timber
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

carefully placed glazing allows light into the gallery spaces
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

the picker gallery accommodates fine art pieces
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

the longyear gallery houses the university’s anthropological collection
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

‘colgate university center for art and culture’ viewed from the passing street
image by david adjaye associates / © colgate university

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