MoMA PS1 Museum

In 2020, B-KD was commissioned by MoMA PS1 to conduct a feasibility study on the museum’s iconic courtyards. Originally created during the 1994 renovation, the two courtyards and entrance kiosk are valuable assets to both the institution and surrounding neighborhood, yet remain inaccessible to both. B-KD used the study as an opportunity to address accessibility in a holistic way, reimagining the courtyards as shared spaces that connect the museum with its community.

MoMA PS1 developed a series of process-focused programs that invited the Queens community to draw, write, and reflect on their experiences with the courtyards, as well as to imagine future uses for the space. These engagements helped B-KD and PS1 identify the needs and potential of the courtyards, entry kiosk, and adjacent public areas including the lobby, café, and bookstore. Insights from these programs informed B-KD and their consultants' concept design for courtyards that are open, accessible, and truly public.

The existing courtyards do not have the necessary infrastructure to support various programming throughout the day. Both the museum and the neighborhood have expressed a desire for shaded areas, film projection capabilities, and installation of general lighting and lighting specific for art. The new concept introduces a custom 3” high metal cap that will provide space for running conduits, installation of cables for shading and lighting, and installation of spotlights and projectors. This precise intervention will make the courtyard accessible and adaptable to curators, artists, and the local community.

Status

Feasibility Study, 2020

Program

Museum

Area

24,000 sf

Location

New York, NY

The existing exterior concrete perimeter walls create a barrier between the neighborhood and the museum’s courtyards. Composed of 8' tilt-up concrete panels, the wall in our new design is reimagined to provide porosity. Openings are proposed in every other panel to create a visual and spatial connection between the street and the courtyards.  

The enclosed entrance kiosk is used for ticketing and as a bookstore. As the first encounter with the museum, the kiosk is envisioned as a living room for the neighborhood and as a casual eatery. The space will offer free internet access, local news, and seating. A large opening in the rear wall will extend the space into the courtyard beyond, creating a visual and physical connection between the street and outdoor space. 

The existing concrete grand staircase connecting the courtyard to the entrance lobby is underutilized and uninviting. The new design incorporates an ADA-accessible ramp flanked by benches and planters that creates a more welcoming space for visitors to gather. A light, transparent canopy above offers protection from rain and snow while allowing natural light to filter into the museum’s entrance. The museum will extend programming into the triangular plaza in front. The design calls for a raised platform with bike racks and seating at the perimeter. The raised platform will provide the necessary infrastructure for commissioning temporary installations of different types of artwork.

Existing courtyards do not have the necessary infrastructure to provide various programs throughout the day. The museum and neighborhood desire shaded areas, film projection, and installation of general lighting and lighting for art. The new concept provides a custom 3” high metal cap, which will provide space for running conduits, installation of cables for shading and lighting, and installation of spotlights and projectors. The surgical intervention will make the courtyard accessible to curators, artists, and the neighborhood.

The existing dining area and bookstore inside MoMA PS1

Team

Koray Duman, Daniel Elmore, Angelo Jones, Hanseul Jang, Maya Kamaeva