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The proposal involves constructing a new street through Cooper Hewitt, linking bustling 5th Avenue directly to the museum. The proposal aims break into a black box, making copper Hewitt museum free from the retrain of historical function at the same time raise people’s awareness of the history of the building and opening up brand new opportunities.
Cooper Hewitt faces a challenge as its function as a museum clashes with its original design as a mansion. The plan introduces a new public passage that not only facilitates bicycle traffic but also allows natural light to the historical interior, transforming a previously confined space into a welcoming exterior public canyon.
This architectural intervention draws public attention to the less-visited areas of the museum, such as the Millard and Fox House and the café, creating a new visitor circulation pattern that enhances the overall experience.
By dividing the museum into old and new sections, each can function independently, allowing one to showcase historical items and the other to host larger-scale exhibitions with flexible environmental control. This division supports diverse activities and preserves the museum’s dual character.