After scores of critics?including James Russell, and this guy, and some of these people?lambasted MoMA's plan to tear down the former American Folk Art Museum on 53rd Street in the name of its expansion, it seems that the modern art titan is reconsidering the controversial move. Before, architects were going to completely raze the AFAM building, including its lauded 12-year-old bronze sculpted facade by TWBTA, to achieve aesthetic continuity (a.k.a. extending the museum's existing glassy vibe).
But today, as Metropolis and the Times have reported, Diller Scofidio + Renfro issued a statement that they might not have to tear down the building after all. "We have asked MoMA, and they have agreed, to allow us the time and flexibility to explore a full range of programmatic, spatial, and urban options," the architects said. "These possibilities include, but are not limited to, integrating the former American Folk Art Museum building, designed by our friends and admired colleagues, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien." A seamless fusion of bronze and glass? It's time to hit the drawing board.
· MoMA Reconsiders Tearing Down Former Folk Art Museum [Metropolis]
· To Raze or Not? MoMA Rethinks Plan [NYT]
· Why MoMA Should Not Raze The Folk Art Museum, In Free Verse [Curbed]
· American Folk Art Museum coverage [Curbed]
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