Innovative Design Breathes New Life into Historic Gallery Space
Architecture studio GRT Architects has unveiled a striking renovation of New York’s Storefront for Art and Architecture. This revamp integrates a modular shelving system with custom, removable shelving units, introducing a façade doorknob for the first time.
The renovation updates electrical and HVAC systems in the unique triangular gallery, enhancing flexibility with adaptable display units. These modifications cater to the diverse installations at Storefront for Art and Architecture, a gallery recognized for its subversive approach.
A Historic Space Reimagined
Founded in 1982 by architect Kyong Park, the gallery is nestled in a small Lower East Side building, historically featuring a concrete façade by Steven Holl and Vito Acconci. This façade is known for its large, swinging concrete panels.
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GRT Architects‘ recent updates are the first major changes to this street-level gallery in two decades, introducing the first semi-permanent system for exhibitions. Deputy director Guillermo Ruiz highlighted the need to safely update the gallery without frequent overhauls.
Modular Shelving System: Aluminum Shelving Units
The studio crafted a modular shelving system, affixed delicately to the gallery’s front wall to avoid interference with its rotating panels. These units, primarily using customised parts from aluminium framing system company 80/20, can be dismantled or rearranged to suit various exhibitions.
GRT Architect’s design includes features such as video projection panels and a discreet canvas curtain shelf. Founding partner Tal Schori emphasized the system’s versatility, accommodating objects, projections, and more.
Welcoming Enhancements
Refined elements like a mobile desk and new stainless steel handle—doubling as the main door—integrate seamlessly with the gallery’s industrial aesthetic.
Schori remarked on the symbolic significance of introducing a door handle after decades, describing it as a welcoming gesture.
A Renewed Gallery Experience
The renovation also saw the bathroom enlivened with vibrant tiles by artist Jorge Pardo. Other improvements involved updating the lighting and renewing the interior architecture.
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Schori noted the importance of illuminating the gallery’s façade, ensuring it blends with its vibrant surroundings during the gallery renovation.
GRT Architects, founded in 2014 by Schori and Rustam-Marc Mehta, operates between Brooklyn and Mexico City and has experience with adaptive reuse projects. Their latest endeavors include a theatrical restaurant design in Beverly Hills.
The photography is by Rafael Gamo.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What changes did GRT Architects make to the gallery?
GRT Architects renovated the Storefront for Art and Architecture with a modular shelving system, electrical and HVAC updates, and introduced a façade doorknob for the first time. They crafted a shelving system using aluminium parts that can be dismantled or rearranged, and made other enhancements like a mobile desk and a new stainless steel handle.
What is unique about the gallery’s façade?
The gallery’s façade was originally known for its large, swinging concrete panels designed by Steven Holl and Vito Acconci. GRT Architects introduced a stainless steel handle to the façade, serving as the main door handle for the first time.
How did GRT Architects make the gallery more adaptable?
GRT Architects created a modular shelving system that can be dismantled or rearranged to suit various exhibitions. The design accommodates objects, video projections, and includes features like a discreet canvas curtain shelf, enhancing the gallery’s flexibility.