ET124 – Enlightened: National Gallery of Art East Building Skylight Replacement
Additional fee, registration required.
The National Gallery recently completed a major capital renewal project—one that included the replacement of the 16,000 sq. ft. atrium skylight in the I.M. Pei-designed East Building. The results epitomize the successful integration of architecture, engineering, art, and public visitation.
On this tour, you'll study the overall architectural design story of the building and take an in-depth look at the central skylight. In addition, you'll reflect on innovative solutions to technical and design challenges confronted before, during, and after the project's completion.
The National Gallery recently completed a major capital renewal project—one that included the replacement of the 16,000 sq. ft. atrium skylight in the I.M. Pei-designed East Building. The results epitomize the successful integration of architecture, engineering, art, and public visitation.
On this tour, you'll study the overall architectural design story of the building and take an in-depth look at the central skylight. In addition, you'll reflect on innovative solutions to technical and design challenges confronted before, during, and after the project's completion.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the key architectural design principles of the National Gallery of Art's East Building design development and evolution.
- Grasp the technical performance criteria for a modern skylight system, including the unique challenges of skylights in art museums.
- Get a behind-the-scenes orientation to the unique aspects of the construction logistics required to replace a glass roof while keeping the space below open for public visitation.
- Explore the complexities of executing construction in close proximity to major works of art and receive an in-depth exposure to temporary protection.
- Susan Wertheim, RA
Chief Architect - National Gallery of Art