The Van Alen Institute, which turns 120 years old next year, is shifting its focus to research and urban programs, and the non-profit wanted a new space to reflect its new goals. They launched the Ground/Work competition in May to remake their storefront and ground floor space at 30 West 22nd Street, and more than 120 groups of young designers submitted proposals. Collective-LOK?a collaboration between Jon Lott (PARA-Project), William O'Brien Jr. (WOJR), and Michael Kubo (over,under)?came out on top. The flexible design calls for a street-level space that incorporates a variety of screens and materials to create an multi-function gallery that can adapt for a range of activities and events, like exhibits, lectures, movie screenings, small classes, research groups, and private meetings.
Over the next four months, Collective-LOK will finalize the design, and construction of the new space will begin this winter. The design encompasses the entire ground floor, not just the storefront where LOT-EK's bright yellow stair installation functioned as Van Alen Books. The new space will be permanent, and it should open by spring 2014.
· Van Alen Institute Announces Ground/Work Competition Winner [official press release]
· Van Alen Institute Reveals Three Finalists for New Storefront [Curbed]
· Ground/Work competition [official]
· Van Alen Institute [official]
· Van Alen Institute coverage [Curbed]