The Gilder Center Restaurant

Following a successful collaboration at The Brooklyn Museum, Restaurant Associates approached me to provide creative design for a restaurant in The Gilder Center, a new wing of the American Museum of Natural History on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Designed by Studio Gang, The Gilder Center will be a stark departure from the museum’s existing 19th century Richardsonian Romanesque buildings. The new wing houses the insect collection, a live butterfly garden and it will improved circulation though the museum’s existing labyrinthian halls by thoughtfully reconnecting the interior.

I was given complete creative freedom here. Based on it’s proximity to the insect collection I chose a honeycomb to be the primary generative concept. This concept informed all elements of the design including the colors, materials and notably the honeycomb ceiling fixture. Made out of bent aluminum the honeycomb ceiling fixture reflects light from above. As the light falls it reflects off the golden-yellow powder coat casting a warm glow throughout the space, and creates a whimsical environment for the building’s main audience: children with their parents.

Every inch of the space required custom design and coordination with Studio Gang, kitchen consultants, restaurant managers and the Museum itself. Seating for at least 100 was required. Walls and ceiling features were designed to carefully attenuate sound. All built-in and standalone furniture for the space was custom designed to meet all parties requirements as part of the final concept package.