We were hired by the Toledo Museum of Art to contribute to the development of its Glass Pavilion, an annex designed by Sanaa of Tokyo. Our team joined during the design development phase, tasked with creating gallery layouts, permanent casework, display systems, and a study storage gallery that harmonized with the building's minimalist architecture. The challenge was to integrate these elements into the transparent, fluid spaces of the pavilion, which was built almost entirely of glass.

One of the standout features of our work was the innovative "Tuning Fork" design implemented in the open storage gallery system within the Glass Study Room. Traditionally, storage in museums is organized in straight rows, much like a library. However, we rejected this conventional approach, opting for dynamic Z and Y-shaped forms that allowed for a more engaging and flexible experience. This layout not only empowered visitors to navigate the collection on their own terms but also provided the museum with the ability to easily reconfigure displays, enhancing the adaptability of the exhibition space.

The design of the casework was a critical component of the project, reflecting the iterative nature of the glass-making process itself. We carefully integrated the HVAC system into the casework, ensuring that the cases appeared to float above the ground while maintaining optimal climate control. This attention to detail allowed us to create a cohesive environment where the art, architecture, and surrounding landscape were in constant dialogue, offering visitors a seamless and immersive experience.

Role: Celia Imrey, design and managing principal - Imrey Culbert