Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA) has unveiled its plans for the renovation and master plan of the MBAD African Bead Museum, an arts and cultural complex in Detroit centered around African art.
Located on a major boulevard in a series of townhouses, the Museum is currently in a state of disrepair with the roof on its corner building having collapsed. This main corner building, although heavily damaged, still features wall murals by artist Olayami Dabls, and thus needs to be preserved.
“Instead of expending the extensive capital needed to repair the interior of the building and rebuild its roof, the LOHA scheme reinforces the property’s exterior walls so that they become freestanding surfaces—hence preserving the murals," states a press release.
Therefore the damaged structure can be removed, and new spaces—a gallery and sculpture garden—can be inserted. Furthermore, new enclosure walls will provide blank canvases for Dabls to continue his work.
The project additionally includes a larger master plan, through which remaining townhomes on the site will be renovated in phases to create more exhibition space, climate-controlled storage space, visiting artist residences, and administration facilities.
Learn more about the project here.
News via Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA).
