Laguarda . Low Architects LLC

Light & Sie Art Gallery

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

LIGHT & SIE ART GALLERY

LaguardaLow Architects

CATEGORY
Gallery

LOCATION
Dallas , United States

YEAR
2007

AREA
16000 ft2

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

Text description provided by architect.

Located in the heart of the design district in Dallas, Texas, this renovated art gallery is part of a revitalization of the district that has many curators, artists and companies acquiring existing industrial facilities and transforming them into art galleries.

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA
Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

The project respects the architectural vernacular of the existing industrial elements, and the gallery retains such industrial features as the brick exterior, exposed ceiling and ductwork and, most prominently, the loading dock.

The existing loading dock entrance is transformed into an icon, both penetrating the main exhibition hall and acting as an upward ramp bridging the four-foot grade difference between the street and interior levels.

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA
Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

Finished half in glass and half in metal, the ramp creates drama and announces to the visitor what is waiting inside.

The main gallery is painted floor to ceiling in pure white with glowing epoxy paint, and the ceiling is perforated, creating skylights and giving natural light to the hall. Adjacent to the exhibition hall is an auxiliary gallery which holds audio-visual art.

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA
Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

Facing the alley at the northernmost end of the site is the curator’s office and conference facilities, a small library, and two viewing rooms for smaller exhibits.

The delicate but industrial themes of glass and metal are continued here, creating a light and open space that maintains its functionality.

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA
Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA

A second garage entrance leftover from the existing building is retained in the conference room as a unique floor-to-ceiling gateway, providing a framed view of the gallery’s industrial location.

A large storage room is located on the west of the site, as well as restrooms, reception and closet spaces, and a small kitchen.

Light & Sie Art Gallery
© Charles Davis Smith - AIA


Light & Sie Art Gallery
Plan
Light & Sie Art Gallery
Plan


Light & Sie Art Gallery
Section
Light & Sie Art Gallery
Render

Laguarda . Low Architects LLC
T +1 646 8239770 F +1 646 8239891
Laguarda . Low Architects LLC
25 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010, United States