Hepworth Wakefield v Yorkshire by David Chipperfield

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, a new museum designed by architect David Chipperfield was officially opened in West Yorkshire, England. The complex consists of a total of ten differently sized trapezoidal blocks, forming an extension of the existing art gallery dedicated to the sculptor Dame Barbara Hepworth, born in Wakefield. The new exhibition spaces, covering an area of 5,200m², are located near the historic center on the bank, in close proximity to a protected nature reserve. For the landscaping, Chipperfield enlisted the help of Scottish landscape architects Gross.Max from Edinburgh. The new gallery is surrounded by water on two sides, across which a bridge leads to the opposite bank. The building is set between pristine nature and stark industrial structures. The individual gallery buildings formally reference the slanted roofs of the surrounding barns and brick storage halls. Each block is unique, sharing the same base but differing in height and width. The museum is divided into two floors: the ground floor houses the reception, shop, café, auditorium, studios, offices, and storage. The upper floor, accessible via the central staircase, will be entirely used for exhibitions. All gallery spaces create a neutral environment for displaying sculptures. Daylight is treated very carefully here. Light openings between the individual masses ensure diffused lighting inside the building. The calm museum atmosphere is complemented by several windows with composed views of the surrounding nature.

More information >