Design Ovations - April 2013

To showcase the artwork within, art galleries often consist of minimal palettes. As designers, we put a great deal of thought into selecting these limited materials, creating functional spaces that are also beautiful backdrops for the artwork. My own interest in gallery design reaches back to a college study-abroad semester in Copenhagen. Visits to Europe’s museums and churches, along with fine arts and art history courses, formed my approach to the galleries and exhibition spaces I design today. 

One of the first decisions made when designing an art gallery is the species of wood to be used for the flooring. Considerations include PSI (pounds per square inch), general durability, heeled shoes and even spilled beverages. I prefer bamboo and Brazilian cherry, and recently incorporated each into gallery designs for the College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center and Lewis University.