Jeanne Gang shatters barriers in the architectural world, achieving new heights of green design.
### Jeanne Gang's Latest Project: The American Museum of Natural History Expansion
Renowned architect Jeanne Gang is set to make her mark on New York City with the expansion of the American Museum of Natural History, scheduled for completion in 2024. This ambitious project, funded by a combination of private donations and public funds, is expected to cost $375 million and will significantly enhance the museum's capacity for scientific research, education, and public engagement.
Studio Gang, led by Jeanne Gang, was selected for the project in a competition that involved over 70 architectural firms. The firm, known for its innovative designs and commitment to sustainability, has already left a lasting impact on the urban landscapes of three continents, including America, Asia, and Europe.
The heart of the expansion is the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. This impressive new building will span 230,000 square feet and will feature a six-story atrium with a living wall, set to be the tallest in North America. The center will also include a 10,000-square-foot space for temporary exhibitions.
Beyond the museum, the expansion project will also include a new public plaza and a pedestrian bridge connecting the museum to Central Park. This will not only improve accessibility but also foster a more integrated relationship between the museum and the city.
### A Prolific Career in Architecture
Jeanne Gang's career in architecture spans over three decades and is marked by a prolific portfolio that includes concert halls, theaters, university extensions, museums, airports, and landscape promenades inspired by organic forms. Her work is acclaimed for its boldness, innovation, and commitment to community-focused design.
Gang founded Studio Gang Architects in 1997, and since then, the firm has grown to employ over 150 people and has several bureaus. Based in Chicago, the firm has played a significant role in reshaping the city's skyline with projects such as the Aqua Tower, a residential high-rise completed in 2010, and the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, a restoration project that transformed a neglected area into a thriving ecosystem.
Gang's work extends beyond high-profile buildings. She is also renowned for her civic landscapes, which prioritize social interaction and community engagement. Her projects often incorporate public spaces that encourage interaction among residents and visitors, contributing to a more vibrant urban fabric.
### Recognition and Awards
Jeanne Gang's contributions to architecture have been widely recognized. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including a solo show at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012-2013. Recently, she was honored with the Order of Lincoln, the highest award for professional achievement and public service in Illinois.
Despite her numerous accolades, Gang remains a humble and driven architect. She continues to push the boundaries of design and to make a significant impact on urban environments, both in her hometown of Chicago and beyond.
Despite not yet receiving the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, Gang's work stands as a testament to her dedication, creativity, and vision. Her projects, from the Aqua Tower to the American Museum of Natural History expansion, demonstrate her ability to transform urban landscapes and to create spaces that are not only visually striking but also functional, sustainable, and community-focused.
In her prolific career spanning over three decades, Jeanne Gang has diversified her portfolio to include various architectural projects, such as investments in real-estate, like the Aqua Tower in Chicago. Beyond that, her firm, Studio Gang, is also involved in finance, having secured funding for ambitious projects like the American Museum of Natural History expansion through a combination of private donations and public funds. Furthermore, her ambition extends to investing in the education sector, as evidenced by the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, a significant part of the museum's expansion.
