In January, SITU Studio was commissioned by the Brooklyn Museum to re-envision its entry sequence – incorporating flexible, modular interventions in the Glass Pavilion and Lobby space as part of a larger Bloomberg Connects initiative – a project that seeks to imagine new roles for technology to enhance visitor experience.

Working closely with the Museum, SITU has developed a collection comprised of individual components – from interactive hubs and ticket bars, to benches, security desks and improved signage, banners and stanchions (in collaboration with graphic design firm MTWTF) – that combine in inventive ways to offer optimal program support within Brooklyn Museum’s public lobby area.

Mock-up of power benches

The design of the suite incorporates a high degree of flexibility that allows for continuous reconfiguration. Casters facilitate smooth transport and storage while outlets embedded in benches provide power to charge mobile devices such as phones, cameras and tablets. One of the primary goals of the Museum’s Bloomberg Connects initiative is to cultivate increased engagement between Museum staff and visitors. The components of the suite play a key role in reinforcing and facilitating this goal but none more so than the “hub” which serves as a resource and a platform – both digital and physical — shared between museum staff and visitors sparking inquiry and conversation. The translation of the admission booth to ticket bar – opening up and welcoming in visitors upon arrival reinforces this initiative. Designed to aggregate and disaggregate the bar transforms rapidly depending on programmatic use.

Hub plan, section and elevations

SITU partnered with MTWTF to find ways for the architecture and graphic design to complement one another, as well as with Arup Transportation who further identified and underscored the relationship between furniture and graphic layout.

Glass Pavilion and Lobby plan

The greatest ambition of this project is the transformation of Brooklyn Museum’s entry into a well-used, highly trafficked and truly successful public space. Over the coming weeks we will be fabricating the suite in our Brooklyn Navy Yards facility and posting progress frequently on Instagram and Facebook. Check back weekly to see progress as Bloomberg Connects comes to life.

Mockup of power bench for onsite testing