Design Award of Excellence: Rothko Chapel

Description: "A Civic/Institutional Design Award of Excellence is given for the restoration of the Rothko Chapel, a mid-twentieth century masterpiece begun in 1964 as a collaboration between Philip Johnson and Mark Rothko and completed in 1971 by Eugene Aubry and Howard Barnstone. The long-awaited restoration was initiated in anticipation of the Chapel’s 50th anniversary with the goal of restoring the visitor’s sense of awe and creating a campus grounded in both the singular power of the Chapel and the unique character of the neighborhood. The project addressed several challenges that have disrupted the original vision of the Chapel. Rothko’s original daylit vision of his artwork is finally realized with a new skylight that directs daylight through to the walls and away from the floor and ceiling, allowing visitors to read more depth into the paintings. The system also discretely integrates lighting and AV equipment to minimize its visual impact. In the 1990s, the original sequence of movement into the vestibule was altered, eroding the sense of quiet contemplation. The new sequence prioritizes accessibility and visitor interaction with the art and moves other activities to the new Welcome House across the street. To address increased hurricane activity brought on by climate change, the concrete masonry unit walls were reinforced, removable floodgates were installed, and the HVAC and an emergency generator were placed in the new elevated Energy Building. Jury member John Reddick commended the restoration for its 'thoughtful planning and modifications which create a more inviting and workable campus in conjunction with the mission and physical access to the Chapel.' In such a highly anticipated project, it can be tough to meet expectations, but as jury member Kelsey Keith explains, this restoration gave everyone 'exactly what they wanted. Meticulously and flawlessly executed, it does not disappoint.'"