Cooper Hewitt Named “Best Restoration” by MAS
The Municipal Art Society of New York has selected the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum as the winner of the 2015 MASterworks Award for “Best Restoration.” Presented annually since 1988, the MASterworks Awards recognize projects for excellence in architecture and urban design and which make a significant contribution to New York City’s built environment. The restoration category encompasses restoration or adaptive reuse of a historically significant building.
The result of a successful collaboration between Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners and Gluckman Mayner Architects, as well as an extensive team of specialty consultants, the Cooper Hewitt restoration has returned the Gilded Age mansion to its original character while also discreetly integrating the complex systems required of a modern museum. The MASterworks jury praised the project for “the diversity of use it imagines and the seamless way it integrates Smithsonian-grade technology,” calling it “an impeccable and extensive rethinking of a historic space.”
Complete List of Award Winners
Photos from April 16 MAS Awards Ceremony:
The MASterworks Awards were presented on April 16 at the Museum at Eldridge Street, a National Historic Landmark built in 1887.
Vin Cipolla, President of the Municipal Art Society of New York, offers opening remarks.
From left: Joe Gall, Project Architect (BBB); Peter Scaglione, Project Manager (BBB), Richard Southwick, Partner-in-Charge (BBB), Barry Maltz, Chairman of Loring & Associates; Jocelyn Groom, Head of Exhibitions at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; David Mayner, Principal (Gluckman Mayner Architects).
Richard Southwick (BBB), Joe Gall (BBB), and Barry Maltz (Loring & Associates) celebrate the win.
A reception was held below the Sanctuary.
