HWKN Architecture is honored to unveil the design for the forthcoming Keith Haring Wing at Bard College, realized in collaboration with C.T. Male Associates. This project honors Keith Haring, whose dynamic art and iconic subway drawings have become emblematic of New York City. The new 12,000 square feet wing will nearly double the existing space at the Center for Curatorial Studies (CCS), significantly enhancing its library and archival resources to better accommodate students, scholars, and researchers.
Architecturally, the Keith Haring Wing is conceived as a one-story masonry structure characterized by minimalist, light-filled interiors. Open ceilings aligned with the building windows, introduce natural light deep into the space, fostering an inviting and productive atmosphere for research and study. The design balances utility with aesthetic refinement, ensuring that the new wing is both highly functional and visually inspiring.
Beyond expanded library space, the new wing includes six office spaces designed to support the work of visiting faculty and researchers, promoting scholarly activities and collaboration. Additionally, the wing will feature a 30-person classroom and a smaller collaborative study room, intended for courses, workshops, and study groups. These spaces are particularly beneficial to Bard’s undergraduate Art History and Visual Culture program, as well as other departments, thereby enriching the educational landscape. HWKN Architecture’s commitment to enhancing educational experiences and honoring influential figures is embodied in the Keith Haring Wing, which will not only expand Bard College’s resources but also stand as a lasting tribute to an artist whose work continues to inspire.
“We are thrilled to have developed a contextual design for the expansion of the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard, aimed at enhancing the educational and community aspects of this unique venue,” said Matthias Hollwich, Founding Principal of HWKN Architecture. “Expanding the existing CCS Bard Library and Archives, we designed the new Keith Haring Wing with contextual attributes, weaving it into the past while looking ahead to the future of the campus.”
