Stanford UniversityÂ
Art Building Planning Study
Unifying facilities for art history, art practice, and film programs
Stanford University sought to unite the making and studying of art under one roof with a new building to house the Art and Art History Departments and a joint library. While related, studio art and art history differ in their facilities needs. MKThink cataloged the usage of existing facilities and engaged with key stakeholders to develop a unified vision for the building that addressed each department’s needs while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. MKThink translated the vision for the building into an organizational framework, which served as the basis for the $87 million, 100,000 SF McMurty Art Building, designed by Diller, Scofidio + Renfro and completed in 2015.Â
CHALLENGE
To unite the making and studying of art under one roof with a new building to house the Art and Art History Departments and joint library.
APPROACH
MKThink cataloged the usage of existing facilities and engaged with key stakeholders to develop a unified vision for the building that addressed each department’s needs while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. MKThink translated the vision for the building into an organizational framework.
RESULT
Art history students work alongside students practicing fine arts for the first time in Stanford's history. Additionally, studio art courses have seen a 35% increase.
DATE
2008-2009
CITY
Stanford
STATE
California
SIZE/SCALE
96,000 SF
MARKET
Higher Education
SERVICES
Master Planning, Strategic Planning, Visioning,
Utilization, and Occupancy.