James Corner Field Operations Selected for Museum Re-vamp

James Corner Field Operations is at the forefront of the landscape urbanism movement, a theory that combines landscape architecture, urban design, landscape ecology and engineering. Corner is a professionally registered landscape architect and the principal of James Corner Field Operations; firms are based in New York City and Philadelphia.

Detroit, Michigan’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAD) has announced that it will undergo a major renovation. Selected for the renovation is Rice+Lipka Architects (RLA) and James Corner Field Operations (JCFO). The MOCAD selection committee included Kate Beebe, Linda Dresner, Jennifer Fischer, Bill Hartman, Marsha Miro, Susan Mosey and Keith Pomeroy.

Marsha Miro, MOCAD Board President says, “We are pleased to be working with architects of such vision. Their experience keeping the character of industrial buildings while making them function for both art and audiences is critical.”

The museum’s renovation is being funded by LINC/Ford Foundation’s Space for Change ($100,000 grant) and

The goal of this process is to refurbish MOCAD’s facility to improve internal spaces and functionality, including temperature and climate control; create better spaces for art viewing and for staff to work; and transform the site to activate the exterior by way of an outdoor space for Museum programming and improved visibility on the building’s Woodward frontage.

Part of RLA/JCFO’s proposal for the space includes the design of new entry points to the Museum, the development of a strong and memorable presence on Woodward Avenue, the maintenance of space flexibility and the fostering of a welcoming environment for visitors. By intervening into the existing 22,000-square-foot structure, RLA/JCFO will preserve the raw character of the facility and amplify its strengths while providing a fresh identity and addressing current needs.

For more information about MOCAD please visit, mocadetroit.org.