ZGF Architects has revealed their innovative design for the expansion of the Miller Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA Pittsburgh) at Carnegie Mellon University. The 29,000-square-foot addition will be located at the intersection of Craig Street and Forbes Avenue in Pittsburgh, an iconic hub for arts and culture.

The expansion is set to significantly increase the size of ICA Pittsburgh, providing space for galleries and public programming that encourage collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange between different fields and communities. Additionally, a public plaza at the front of the building will serve as a gathering space and showcase public art installations. With features such as classrooms, a gallery, and a restaurant on the ground level, the design emphasizes the institution’s commitment to public accessibility.

ICA Pittsburgh, under the leadership of director Elizabeth Chodos, aims to be a catalyst for new ideas and a unifying force within the community. The museum’s growth and impact over the past two decades have led to the decision to adopt a new name that reflects its institutional evolution and engagement with local and global audiences.

The architectural concept for the addition consists of a loop and a tower. The loop will house ICA Pittsburgh, while the tower will accommodate CMU’s College of Science and the School of Computer Science. ZGF Architects highlights the dynamic facades that seamlessly blend the loop and tower structures. These facades will be adorned with ultra-high performance concrete panels manufactured locally, arranged in a Fibonacci sequence inspired by the thistle, Scotland’s national flower. An aluminum trim will create a lenticular effect, reinforcing the theme of movement.

ZGF Architects, known for their dedication to community connectivity, emphasizes that the design of the Richard King Mellon Hall of Sciences and the new ICA Pittsburgh exemplifies their commitment to meaningful spaces that foster innovation and collaboration.

ICA Pittsburgh’s expansion has been in the works for two decades and has received significant support. The new wing is made possible by a generous lead gift of $15 million from the Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation and Henry L. Hillman Foundation.

Construction on the expansion is scheduled to commence in spring 2024, with a projected public opening in 2027.