Client: 
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Location:
San Diego, CA
Program:
Renovation & Expansion of Galleries and Administration Offices
Area:
40,000 sq.ft.
Construction Budget:
$55 M 
Completion Date:
Summer 2020
Role on Project:
Project Architect

Selldorf Architects

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, known in short as MCASD, is one of the region’s leading institutions that collects and exhibits art produced after 1950. The latest expansion occupies southern part of the site which quadruples the current gallery space from 10,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet to provide space to simultaneously exhibit MCASD’s collection as well as changing exhibitions. The Museum’s operations are further enhanced with up-to-date back of house spaces including a new loading dock, art preparator’s room, freight elevator, art storage, and below grade parking. 

The new addition establishes a clear point of entry along Prospect Street at the new lobby and museum store. The design’s massing and materials including cast-in-place concrete, travertine panels, and aluminum brise-soleils, which is in distinct contrast to the existing stucco building. The tectonic language is defined by a concrete structural frame that is infilled with an interplay of glass and travertine stone panels. 

The new gallery spaces comprise of smaller volumes that balances the scale of the existing sructure. The former auditorium serving as one of the main galleries, with a generous 20’ ceiling height. The sequence of spaces that are cohesive in feel by way of complementary and existing materials that establish continuity with the existing building, as well as skylights and vertical windows that bring the site’s distinct natural light and coastal views into the Museum. An existing parking lot on the north end of campus will be transformed into a public park and new seaside terraces will offer dramatic views of the Pacific Coast from two levels.