Project Description
FROM THE AIA NEW YORK STATE:
The Anderson Collection building, which is part of a Stanford University directive to develop a prominent arts district and revitalized arts gateway to the University along Palm Drive, houses the prized collection of renowned twentieth-century American art recently donated to the University. The new 30,000-square-foot-building includes dedicated gallery spaces, offices, a conference room, a library/study area and storage spaces.
A primary goal of the design was to translate and interpret the accessibility to the art, as it has been exhibited throughout the Anderson’s home and offices, fostering a similar powerfully direct and intimate experience. The gallery layout is conceived
as one open room, freeing visitors from a prescribed sequence and promoting the exploration of individual interests.
The upper level is entirely reserved for art and full of natural light, creating a place apart which simultaneously connects visually to the surrounding landscape. Large windows are positioned to activate the pedestrian walkway by offering views into the library, gallery and academic spaces, fulfilling the gallery’s mission to become a vital educational space in addition to a gallery.