Project by Sungjik Kim & Ioulita Athanasopoulou
During the spring semester, we worked on the design of the Berggruen Institute in the Hudson Valley, a space that functions as a social condenser, aiming to support relationships between humans, artists, scientists, technology, and the planet. In the first part of the semester, we focused on the language of structure and light by choosing two verbs from Richard Serra’s verb list and started exploring and developing our first thoughts for the project. We chose the verbs “to cut” and “to carve,” which guided our early decisions. Our main phrase was: “Spherical forms cut and carve space to shape light.” In the midterm model (image 03), we introduced the sphere into the two cubes. The reason we used the sphere is that its curvature allows light to enter the space more smoothly. The form of the sphere creates a more dynamic movement of light within the space. Following that, we tried to incorporate this idea into the final project. The building is developed around three courtyards. The main courtyard acts as an intersection point where residents (artists) and visitors meet. A second courtyard connects the building with the surrounding landscape, creating a gradual transition between interior and exterior. The third is a private courtyard, accessible only to residents and selected users, offering a more intimate and controlled environment. The courtyard is central to the project’s concept, which is mainly driven by collectivity. Within the Berggruen Institute, it acts as a space of encounter, fostering interaction, exchange, and a shared sense of community.
