Aimee — Peel Journal

Rethinking Art Museums:

Reinforcing the Spiral to Free the Scaffolding Space Answered by Jungyeon (Aimee) Yang

Known for its iconic spiral ramp, the Guggenheim Museum creates fluent relations across functions of current use. This architectural marvel necessitates various structural elements to ensure its stability- a solid double-height wall, additional core that is holding the slab connected to the spiral, and a horizontal striped wall wrapping around the whole museum. Those, which I term “scaffolding spaces”, are enforcing the formalization of the circular ramp not only supporting its physics but also additional exhibitions, a restaurant, a cafe, and a gift shop—accessible only after traversing the entire exhibition.

However, I propose that galleries should transcend adjacent exhibition spaces for completed artworks but to emphasize collectivity through the use of alternative nodes of space. These alternatives, once galleries, would be an evolving environment where art is produced and social interactions flourish, providing spaces for functions of future use.

To achieve this vision, I began by reinforcing the spiral ramp with additional structural beams and columns. This intervention reduces the need for bulky scaffolding, allowing these spaces to become independent or dependent on the spiral circulation.

Moreover, the existing double-height exhibition space will be reoriented to open towards the street, transforming it into a participatory art hall. Passersby will have the opportunity to contribute to the art being created, even if they are not visiting the main exhibition.

Additionally, the gift shop will feature glazed walls, enabling street-level visibility of its contents. Visitors can also enter and exit the shop directly from the street, breaking the linear progression typically required within the museum.

By implementing these changes, the Guggenheim Museum will no longer adhere to a linear journey. Instead, it will offer a multifaceted experience where art creation and community engagement coexists, redefining the role of art museums in contemporary society.