MAD architects reveals first images for lucas museum of narrative art

MAD architects reveals first images for lucas museum of narrative art
all images courtesy of MAD architects

to follow up on their commission for the design of george lucas’ museum of narrative art, MAD architects has revealed the first renderings of their mountain-like scheme to be located along chicago’s waterfront. the project’s concept builds upon the firm’s repeated interest in blending nature with urbanity, by blending building and landscape forms to create a sloping structure surrounded by green park space.

the building is comprised of three levels of exhibition space organized in continual loops. the white conical mass is topped by an elevated disc at the peak, which is to contain an observation deck offering 360º views toward the city and adjacent lake michigan.

the building’s white surface gently rises from the ground plane to form a mountain-like form

ultimately, the design seeks to reflect the nature of the museum’s narrative-based contents, by telling a story through its sequence of experiences. the architects describe that, ‘the museum is not an isolated object, but a spatial experience that is defined by the people who occupy and interact with it. it is a place to discover and explore, to communicate and contemplate. more than a building, it is an urban vista for social interaction, bringing people closer to each other and to nature.’

the white conical form is topped by a 360º observation deck offering views of the city and lake michigan

MAD architects is joined by local firms studio gang and VOA associates for the design of the lucas museum. for more information on the future narrative art facility and its project team, see designboom’s previous article here.

the lucas museum will join a number of nearby cultural institutions along lake michigan
1. field museum
2. shedd aquarium
3. adler planetarium
4. northerly island
5. lucas museum of narrative art

architect ma yansong discusses the concept design for the museum and its place in chicago
video courtesy of lucas museum of narrative art