Robert Olnick Pavilion,
designed by Alberto Campo Baeza, Miguel Quismondo
The Robert Olnick Pavilion was designed by architect Alberto Campo Baeza in collaboration with MQ Architecture, which is led by Miguel Quismondo. The building is an extension of MagaZZino, a museum founded by art collectors and architecture enthusiasts Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu in Cold Spring, New York. The institution focuses on Italian post-war and contemporary art, with particular emphasis on the Arte Povera movement.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, NY.
photo by Javier Callejas © Alberto Campo Baeza
MagaZZino's new pavilion
- a response to the museum's growing needs and collection development
The current MagaZZino building was also designed and realized by Miguel Quismondo. Growing in popularity, the institution quickly outgrew the original limits of its space, prompting the Olnick Spanu family to decide to expand the museum with a new wing.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, New York - concept sketch
© Alberto Campo Baeza
The new pavilion was designed to complement the museum's existing building and reflect its sleek, modern character. With strategically placed windows and skylights, the building allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the institution's growing campus. At the same time, the building responds to the museum's growing needs by providing additional space for educational and curatorial programs, as well as allowing the presentation of projects in new formats
- said Miguel Quismondo,
project architect.
The Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, NY.
photo by Marco Anelli © Alberto Campo Baeza
The new pavilion is a two-story rectangular building made of reinforced concrete. Special attention has been given to the main exhibition space - a white, cubic room with isotropic properties, which will house two galleries filled with natural light for temporary exhibitions.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, New York.
photo by Javier Callejas © Alberto Campo Baeza
isotropic space
- concept and architectural solutions
According to the dictionary definition, isotropic space is characterized by uniform properties in all directions and from every point. If we could float into the air from its center, the space would look identical from all sides. In this white cubic room measuring 10×10×10 meters, openings of 2.10×2.10 meters have been designed in all corners of the wall, through which sunlight can freely penetrate throughout the day.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, New York - axonometry
© Alberto Campo Baeza
The dimensions of these openings were chosen deliberately - placed near the floor, they have the right proportions to act as entrance doors. Two of them will be the entrances to this white cube. In accordance with simple logic, an opening in the floor plane was abandoned. Moreover, in order to strengthen the spatial coherence of the premise, a 2.10 x 2.10 meter opening was designed in the central part of one of the walls. This allows visitors to understand the spatial concept of the pavilion with a single glance. The interior is kept in a minimalist style.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, New York - model.
© Alberto Campo Baeza
Working on this building with my mentor, Alberto Campo Baeza, is a great honor for me. This project symbolizes the development of the institution and Nancy and Giorgio's commitment to the Cold Spring community
- Quismondo added.
Robert Olnick Pavilion in Cold Spring, New York.
photo by Javier Callejas © Alberto Campo Baeza
The new structure, designed with attention to detail by Miguel Quismondo in collaboration with Alberto Campo Baeza, is a testament to their shared philosophy - combining simplicity, functionality and timeless elegance. With its strategic use of light and precise balance of forms, the pavilion blends into the natural landscape of the Hudson Valley, creating a space that inspires and encourages reflection.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Campo Baeza studio.
