Green Components of the Modern Wing

In addition to transforming the look and feel of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Modern Wing will be a model of design, technology, and green architecture. In the spring of 2006, the Art Institute was awarded a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to incorporate cutting-edge "green" technologies into the Modern Wing. Exelon Corporation has also come forward as a green energy partner of the Art Institute.

To maximize natural sources of energy and minimize waste, the Modern Wing's design incorporates several elements. Most notably, the building's unique sunshade, popularly referred to as the "flying carpet," will filter daylight into the upper-level gallery spaces. Composed of computer-modeled blades developed specifically for the Art Institute's location, the screen will save electricity consumption while helping to achieve ideal lighting conditions during the day. An interior lighting system will take the benefits of the flying carpet further by adjusting for changing levels of natural light throughout the day. These automatic adjustments will provide an optimal atmosphere for viewing art while saving electricity at the same time.

Lighting elements will complement the double envelope of transparent, glazed walls, which meet temperature and humidity conditions required for art while also surpassing Chicago Energy Code requirements. These measures are in addition to state-of-the-art cooling and monitoring systems.

Along with building components, the gardens and other landscaping surrounding the Modern Wing will add over 20,000 square feet of green space to the museum campus. These beautiful outdoor spaces will provide space for visitors to reflect and relax, while creating a green link to Millennium and Grant parks.

The Art Institute thanks the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and Exelon Corporation: Green Energy Partners of the Modern Wing.

Read more about the Art Institute's green initiatives in the January 2007 issue of Art Newspaper.

How are other museums going green? Read more in in the September/October issue of the American Association of Museum's magazine, Museum News.

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To learn more about the Modern Wing and the Building of the Century Campaign to fund this historic endeavor, please contact us:

Phone: (312) 443-3312
E-mail: buildingofthecentury@artic.edu