The Atheneum - Richard Meir

Added : 05 Mar 2011 | Visits : 2811 | Average votes : %

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Atheneum, a classic ‘Meier’ design in concrete with all the architectural design elements of his work being distilled to their most fundamental expressions.

The Atheneum, designed by Architect Richard Meier is considered to be one of his best – known architectural projects. Construction of this concrete building started in 1975 and was completed in 1979. Located on the outskirts of the town of New Harmony, Indiana, it is built on an artificially raised green plain, offering sweeping views of the Walbash River. New Harmony is one of the most famous of American utopian communities and The Atheneum serves prominently as an orientation centre for visitors to the historic settlement. It is also used for various community events and programs. According to Architect Richard Meier, architecture plays an essential role in the creation of the community in New Harmony and he aspired to achieve architectural conditions most appropriate to the needs of social an individual lives in New Harmony.

The Atheneum built primarily in concrete, with its white volumes, stands out against the surrounding green landscape. Its raised position is to prevent it from flooding by the Walbash River, the level of which varies year from year and makes it appear to be concrete, architectural invention floating on the water when seen form a distance.

The Atheneum was conceived as the beginning point of an architectural walk around the town of New Harmony and a number of routes set off simultaneously to guide the visitors in the discovery of the nearby terrain and the historic town. Thus the Atheneum creates various physical and symbolic links between the river, town of New Harmony and the surrounding landscape.

To emphasize its function as a public building, all spaces within the building are not necessarily enclosed, for example the theater is visible. The glass walls and the large windows, used to frame selected views of the town, add to the feeling of openness. Rigid planes characterize the architecture of The Atheneum and its tight corners contrast with the curved walls; while numerous open stairways and ramps add ‘motion’ to the building. Planes, columns and projections are assembled in a complex arrangement. Square white porcelain steel- backed panels cover the exterior concrete façade in a grid like pattern, a trademark of Meier’ design. The formal structure of The Atheneum is reminiscent of the 1920’s work of Architect Le Corbusier due to the use of ramps, curved walls, glass, concrete and columns.

Visitors arriving by boat can access the building through a path in the field. The Atheneum is comprised of three- levels placed at an angle of forty degree to the main podium. Through the entry box is the first level, where the internal circulation ramp starts, which connects all the levels within the building and thus ensures that the pedestrian circulation within the building is a continuous experience. The first level also contains the 200-seat auditorium, ticket box, restrooms etc.

Walking on the internal ramp to the higher levels seems to set the entire building in motion. The overlaying grids of the plans and sections create different impressions; spaciousness at some places and tension at some other places; creating a complex interior. This interior is tied together with the internal ramp.

Views of the town and the surrounding landscaped are framed by openings and the visitors catch controlled glimpses during their journey up the ramp. The roof terrace offers a panoramic vista of the town and a second ramp, which is stepped and long, unlike the coiled interior ramp leads the visitors out of the building and into the town of New Harmony.

The Atheneum houses exhibit on the communal history of New Harmony, in its various galleries. The design of Gallery 2 echoes the curve of the river. Gallery III contains a model of the town of New Harmony in 1824. Gallery IV (not open to the public) is a conference room containing furniture designed by Richard Meier. The Atheneum’s galleries also accommodate frequent receptions and meetings, allowing the structure to continue to participate in the vitality of this still unique community.

The Atheneum is a classic ‘Meier’ design in concrete with all the architectural design elements of his work being distilled to their most fundamental expressions.