 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
thematic void
THE PETERSON AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
2014
The design for the new Peterson Automotive Museum developed from two logics, one programmatic and one based on form. Initial program studies showed that the various galleries can be divided into four main categories: History, Technology, Design, and Education. While these four overarching themes encompassed all of the galleries, many galleries also fell in between or into multiple categories. This organization translated into a floor plan where the galleries are arranged around four atria, each representing one of the themes. Galleries that fall wholly into one theme are placed in close proximity to that atrium. Galleries which straddle between themes can be arranged in between the atria to be in close proximity to all of the themes that apply. A spiraling circulation path leads visitors around the atria and through the various galleries, or shortcuts can be taken by using the stairs that move up through each atrium.
The form of the building arose from looking at the form of a car. Cars consist of two skins, the exterior aerodynamic skin, and the interior skin that is molded to the occupant's body. Between these skins is a poché space that is filled with the mechanics and other necessary parts for the car to run. Each skin is designed to meet the requirements of its finished side while also forming around the mechanics that fall between the skins. The new Peterson building operates in a very similar manner. The galleries act as the mechanics, the pieces that make the museum work. An interior skin is formed around the gallery boxes and circulation passageways creating the four atria required for the program. At the ground level, this interior skin forms the lobby and, on the top level, it creates dedicated event and exhibition space. As this surface is pushed by the galleries and circulation, it pushes back, cutting into many of the galleries and being punctured by circulation. These punctures create opportunities for visitors to get a new experience of the atria and the installation that it holds.
After visitors spiral up through the galleries, they are delivered into a viewing area for the museums automated parking system. The “Parking Wall” contains enough spaces for both the museum's guests as well as the vault storage for the museum’s vehicles that are not currently on display. Visitors can traverse the stairs back down to the ground level or take the elevator that utilizes the same lifts as the automated parking system. Using specially designed cabins, guests can ride through the automated parking system to get a different view of the hundreds of cars it contains. The system also makes it easy for any of the museum's vehicles to be delivered to any of the floors for display or to the maintenance bay for restoration.