Discretion and calmness are the distinctive features of the Menil Campus –presided over by Renzo Piano’s building-, and no grandiloquent gesture should disturb the protective action which the Foundation sheds over the district. Menil, however, is more than its main building and three chapels; while currently hard to detect, this reality would –if unveiled- convey the project’s community and urban compromise.
Our diagnosis detected flaws –lack of parking space-, threats –the condition of some of the most profitable buildings of the Foundation, such as the Richmond Apartments-, strengths –the sum of properties which grant the control of the district’s idiosyncrasy or the close proximity to St Thomas University- and opportunities which the masterplan ought to offer –opening the Menil Campus to the city, making it visible and interactive throughout the expansion of the public space; designing some emblematic architecture pieces; building a singular, contemporary and highly propositive medium-density residential complex.
Our proposal provides a coherent response to these concerns by means of a shrillness-free architecture.