The design of the Car Museum was inspired based on my love for the automobile and my desire to help the environment by creating an awareness of a clean alternative for transportation. My design concept was built around “deconstruction” which is characterized by the idea of fragmentation, non-rectilinear shapes which serves to distort and dislocate some standard elements and the stimulation of unpredictability and controlled chaos.
The building was selected based on its deconstruction tendencies as defined by its deviated angles, fragmentation of space and the visible separation of the building into two zones due to its position. The fact that this building was originally created as a corporate space with long spans between columns allowed maximum flexibility to create the exhibitions.
Ricardo Acosta of Ricardo Acosta Design Studio announced that the renovation of all interior and existing floors, relocation of vertical circulation and a cut out on all floors above ground would create a spectacular atrium. The focal point of this Museum and space planning centers around the atrium.
Further he stated that the existing structure would remain the same.
The first floor, which is the main, public floor, includes the lobby, the ticketing counter, the information desk, coat check, public bathrooms and the Electric Car Museum store.
On the second floor, you will find a state of the art Café along with the Technology Gallery.
The third floor contains one of the museum’s collection galleries and the virtual interaction space.
On the fourth floor, the museum houses the second collection gallery as well as a series of documentary booths.
The fifth floor contains the Legend Gallery, showcasing the history of the Electric Automobile. Located off to the side is an open seating designed as a small auditorium.
The six floor showcases a full service restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Hudson River and New Jersey. The last floor, which is the seventh floor, houses a magnificent, state of the art main auditorium with a capacity for two hundred and thirty people, a hi tech Research Library that fosters automotive research and provides full access to writing and interactive materials supporting educational programs, events and exhibitions.
The original, core building was located in the center of the structure. My design relocated the core to the east side of the building, providing natural light and space for the creation of this magnificent atrium. As the atrium cuts through all floors, it moves as the building shifts and shrinks as you ascend. The atrium was specifically designed to connect with all spaces, both public and private and keeps with our feeling of free space and openness. The deconstructed asymmetrical shape of the atrium creates a stunning visual effect defining energy and movement upward throughout the space.
