Smith Asian Art Gallery
Northampton, Massachusettsp
Project Description
The Smith College Asian Art Gallery, located in what was formerly a small gallery space in the lower level of the museum, incorporates new lighting, display cases, pebble stone terrazzo flooring, and a wood-paneled ceiling that functions as a light source while delivering fresh, conditioned air into the space.
A new entry framed in a glass and fir archway was created to give the gallery a sense of presence and place distinct from other gallery spaces in the museum. A wood bench sawn from a tree trunk sits next to the entry for rest and meditation.
Interior Design
The Asian Art Gallery was designed to be a special jewel within the Smith College Museum of Art celebrating Asian art and culture. A custom epoxy floor made with river stones evokes Asian garden paths. It is inlaid with metal strips, dividing the space into large modules in the tradition of tatami mats. These modules correspond with the coffered ceiling which conceals lighting, HVAC, and a mobile display track system for a highly flexible gallery space.