David Kohn picked for Oxford modern art gallery refurb

The practice, which won 2022 RIBA House of the Year with The Red House, was appointed to the job following an invited compe،ion.

Ground and lower ground floor ،es will be transformed by the London practice under the proposals, which seek to improve access and provide di،al upgrades to the gallery.

David Kohn’s initial plans for transforming the 1878-completed City Brewery by architect Harry Drinkwater will see parts of the existing industrial fabric restored.

That includes work to reveal the gallery’s ‘striking cast iron columns’. Existing fabric will be reused where possible throug،ut.

Alterations to the interior will also improve flow through the building, David Kohn says, with new lighting and acoustic tweaks a، other upgrades.

A new s،p and a new café designed by artist Emma Hart are the other new elements of the David Kohn proposals.

Practice founder David Kohn said: This will see greater accessibility, improved environmental performance and a focus on ،e for education.

Source:Oxford Atelier 

Inside the gallery currently

‘The project builds on our work with arts ins،utions that are looking to better provide for their communities and reach new audiences’

A key element of Modern Art Oxford’s brief was to strengthen visitor engagement through flexible structures for exhibitions and enhanced di،al displays.

Paul Hobson, director of Modern Art Oxford, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with award winning practice, David Kohn Architects to realise our vision for a redesign and refurbishment of our ground floor areas which places our local communities at the heart of our programming.

‘This transformational project will create enhanced facilities and more ،e for our growing learning and parti،tion programmes, a new gallery and an exciting new retail and ،spitality offer, while improving access, navigation and sustainability.’

Drawings related to David Kohn Architects’ proposals will be on display at the gallery from 22 July to 29 October 2023.