DESIGNING JAZZ :THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE MUSEUMlogo by Milton GlaserJazz is the ultimate American artform: a united mélange of cultures and voices, with each individual instrument given the expressive freedom to solo. Jazz is groovy, strong, emotional and innate; Louis Armstrong is one of its iconic founding fathers.For the new archive & cultural center building for the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, NYC, Caples Jefferson Architects has the honor of channeling the spirit of this jazz legend into a new hub for music and culture.Working with a creative team of experts and engineers, notably Milton Glaser the iconic American artist, this project is a collaborative homage to Louis Armstrong from great American creatives today.The Louis Armstrong House Museum, which was the Armstrong’s residence from 1943-1971, is being re- envisioned as a cultural hub for all things Satchmo. Engaging in constant dialogue museum director Michael Cogswell, a jazz afficionado, CJA has designed a vivacious and colorful space for an exhibition area and library that will hold the most extensive Louis Armstrong collection in the world. Generous private collectors from Sweden, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, and close friends of Armstrong’s have combined their treasures to give back a remarkable trove of Satchmoiana to the public.Caples Jefferson Architects, led by Everardo Jefferson and Sara Caples, has strong commitments to research- based design for community and under-represented areas, making it a great match for Louis Armstrong’s vision and talent, which reached all social fabrics.This project is also a fusion of the worlds of music, architecture, visual art and graphic design. Bringing together these disciplines to create a space as lively and inspiring as Louis him- self results in a colorful and unique design and production process .At two stories, the new building respects the height of the surrounding single-family houses. An undulating fa- çade is musical and seductive, welcoming the community with its brass-colored aluminum and gold-fritted glass, inspired by Louis’ trumpet. Exhibition halls and jazz rooms remain intimate and approachable where visitors can reflect upon Louis’ legacy of music; the green roof complements the existing garden that Louis delightfully installed, a year before his death, for his neighborhood.
Sustainability
Green rooftop garden, LEED Gold status
37-18 Northern Boulevard, Suite 319
Long Island City 11101
United States
(212) 779-9772
http://www.capjeff.com
Long Island City 11101
United States
(212) 779-9772
http://www.capjeff.com
