The moment you walk in the door you feel lighter. While at a sneak peek of the Modern Wing at the Art Institute yesterday, I was captivated by the breathtaking design by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Described as "elegant modesty" the space exudes a kind of relaxed luxury that lures the eye and brings you in before you know it.
The use of natural light is one of the most impressive elements of the design and one of the greenest. The "flying carpet" roof designed by Piano works with an automatic dimming system to flood spaces with the type of natural light artists intend for their work. Photo cells make adjustments as the light changes throughout the day and saves energy by utilizing natural light to its fullest.
Currently the Art Institute is applying for silver LEED certification and has taken many eco friendly steps during construction including recycling construction debris, adding landscaping around the Modern Wing and adding double curtain-wall construction to save energy.
Likewise, they focused on sustainable practices such as paper recycling, upgrading the HVAC systems, thermostat setbacks and implementing several budgeted conservation practices. One might think this is an easy task, but trust me it isn't. As a former Property Manager at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I know firsthand how expensive and time intensive it is to retrofit and make huge changes to current systems. I applaud the Art Institute for making conservation a goal!
More major changes were announced by James Cuno, President of the Art Institute that were created to make attending not only easy but affordable for all. Chicagoans, seniors, military veterans, city workers and educators will receive discounts for the new all-inclusive one price admission. (Remember children under 12 are free!) They have increased their free hours as well as their contributions to the Chicago Public Library's Museum Passport Program so that the beauty of the space and its exhibits are available to all.
I encourage you to pop by their Grand Opening this Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 9 a.m. and enjoy free admission all week long. In lieu of admission, they are hosting a food drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an amazing organization that serves hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans who live without.
Click here or on the main picture to take my tiny tour, but you'll have to visit to see the exhibits including Cy Twombly: The Natural World, Selected Works 2000-2007. Don't miss the Ryan Family Education Center where admission is always free (yes, you read that right!) and enjoy the new Crown Family Educator Resource Center. The space is incredibly bright and engaging with state-of-the-art technology, printed materials, books, computers and knowledgeable staff to assist your individual exploration of art. Enjoy!
-Eco Chic
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