Imagining the Contemporary Art + Design Wing with Thomas Phifer | Behind the Glass Lecture

Thomas Phifer, architect of the Museum’s light-filled Contemporary Art + Design Wing that opened on March 20, connects the built environment with the natural world in every project he undertakes. The Contemporary Art + Design Wing is no exception.
When asked about his approach to the design of the new space, Phifer responds that he was “inspired by the image of walking into a white cloud” to design “a collection of spaces defined by soft curving walls that dissolve the separation between the art, atmosphere, light and space.”
In this Behind the Glass lecture, Phifer discusses the inspiration, design process, and profound influence of glass in creating the Contemporary Art + Design Wing, and how his focus on honoring the material inspired the spirit and architecture of this incredible new space.