HOK has partnered with the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) on the exhibition Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, which features monumental works by the renowned German artist. With paintings nearing 30 feet in height and weighing more than 2,000 pounds, the installation transforms the museum’s historic Sculpture Hall into an immersive contemporary art environment.
A Collaborative Approach to Large-Scale Art Presentation
The exhibition required careful structural and technical planning due to the extraordinary scale of Kiefer’s new works. HOK worked closely with SLAM to ensure the artworks could be safely displayed without compromising the integrity of the heritage building.
Structural Engineering Solutions for Monumental Works
HOK’s structural engineering team developed a custom wall-bracing system to stabilise the paintings’ heavy chassis. The team also conducted thorough evaluations of the floor slab’s load capacity, ensuring the historic gallery could support the weight of the pieces during transport, installation, and exhibition.
Lighting Design That Amplifies Presence and Atmosphere
Alongside the structural considerations, HOK’s lighting specialists collaborated with SLAM to craft a refined illumination strategy. The lighting enhances the monumental scale and emotional depth of Kiefer’s paintings while maintaining harmony with the architectural character of Sculpture Hall.
Preserving Architectural Integrity While Elevating Experience
The combined engineering and design interventions demonstrate how technical expertise can enhance an exhibition without altering the historical fabric of the space. HOK’s solutions ensure both the safety of the artwork and the preservation of the museum’s infrastructure.
A Showcase of Art, Architecture, and Innovation
Becoming the Sea stands as a powerful example of what is possible when contemporary art, structural engineering, and thoughtful lighting design converge. The collaboration highlights HOK’s commitment to supporting cultural institutions with solutions that balance creativity, safety, and architectural respect.
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