New York-based studio Practice for Architecture and Urbanism has released designs for a wedge-shaped expansion of IM Pei's Rock and Rock Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
The 50,000-square-foot (4,645-square-metre) extension will be integrated directly into the museum's original glass pyramid and will contain a new entry lobby, exhibition spaces, offices, an education centre and a 6,000-square-foot (557 square metres) multipurpose venue.
The original Hall of Fame building, located on Cleveland's Lake Erie waterfront, was designed by Chinese-American architect IM Pei and opened in 1995.
Taking cues from Pei's design, which features geometric volumes expanding outwards from a central glass pyramid, Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) designed a wedged-shaped building that extends outwards from the side of the main building, with its lowest point spliced to meet the original structure.
A large central atrium will meld the buildings' interiors where the two forms converge.
"Our design welcomes visitors by pulling the forces of the city, the lake, and Pei's pyramid together into a new triangular composition that centres on a dynamic, aural and inclusive public interior that flows from the streets to the waterfront – a destination that declares this must be the place," said PAU founder Vishaan Chakrabarti.
Renderings show a sloping stone roof extending upwards and culminating in a generous overhang at the edge of the building, while a curtain wall looks towards the waterfront towards the back.
In the corners furthest from the original museum, two large concrete structures were placed beneath the sloping roof.
A glass curtain wall covers the remaining facade – a nod to Pei's glass pyramid.
An exterior waterfront promenade will circulate around the buildings, connecting guests to the water, the street and the hall.
In contrast to the white metal panels covering the main building, PAU's expansion will be clad in black steel and specular granite.
"This transformation will expand the Rock Hall's iconic structure to meet the demands of its evolving mandate: to showcase the past, present and future of rock and roll as the defining sound of each generation's youth," said Chakrabarti.
The expansion is set to be completed by late 2025.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame first established in 1985 that is dedicated to the documentation and celebration of rock music and artists.
It is more widely known for its annual induction ceremony, which in years past has included legendary artists from Elvis Presley to Jay-Z. This year's inductees include Missy Elliott and Willie Nelson.
Earlier this year, PAU unveiled designs for New York's Penn Station renovation and was commissioned to design a new generation of air traffic control towers for the first overhaul since I.M. Pei's designs.
The renderings are courtesy PAU.