tadao ando expands the clark art institute with concrete visitor center

in williamstown, massachusetts, the clark art institute has reopened its transformed campus – the most significant building project in the institution’s long history. the expansion, which has taken nearly fifteen years to complete, involves enlarging gallery space, and improving visitor experience with a series of important structural additions articulated around a centrally positioned reflection pool.

the campus expansion involves improving visitor experience with a series of new additions
image by tucker bair (also main image)

the focal point of the vast scheme is the 42,600 square foot clark center designed by pritzker winning architect tadao ando, which includes gallery space for special exhibitions in addition to a multi-purpose pavilion for conferences, and a glazed pavilion – creating a new entrance to the original museum building. the two-storey stone and concrete structure overlooks the three-tiered pool of water, which ando designed with reed hilderbrand, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and providing a strong visual connection with the building’s surroundings. lower-level galleries are partially situated beneath a green roof that forms an external courtyard at the main entrance to the complex.

the concrete structure overlooks the three-tiered pool of water
image by tucker bair

‘I like to accomplish art spaces that inspire viewers and evoke their creativity and freedom of thinking,’ explained ando. ‘I have always been in awe of the clark’s unique sense of place in nature. in both the clark center and lunder center, I have tried to express a deep respect for the landscape outside and an equal reverence for the art inside. it is critical that the art speaks for itself and that viewers experience it in their own way.‘

ando designed the reflection pool with landscapers reed hilderbrand
image by tucker bair

other work completed on-site includes the expansion and renovation by selldorf architects of the original museum building, which includes the addition of more than 2,200 square feet of gallery space. meanwhile, landscapers reed hilderbrand were responsible for redesigning the grounds of the institution, enhancing sustainability initiatives across the campus and integrating a host of green practices.

detail of the clark center and reflection pool
image by tucker bair

‘the project advances the clark’s dual mission as both an art museum and a center for research and higher education,’ commented museum director michael conforti. ‘since developing our masterplan nearly fifteen years ago, we have worked diligently to connect our program and support spaces with our extraordinary landscape, all with the goal of best serving the thousands of people who come from all over the world to visit the clark each year. what now looks simple and so logical, has been achieved through a complex and environmentally sensitive design and construction program that unites many disparate parts.‘

see designboom‘s previous coverage of the project in its concept phase here.

the building creates a new entrance to the original museum building
image by kris qua