On September 20th, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, one of NYC's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, convened a group of leaders from across the built environment, including AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón, to openly discuss potential conservation solutions for the Museum in the face of a changing climate.
The iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, like many cultural heritage sites, continues to be threatened by extreme weather events. This select, interdisciplinary group of experts identified that sustainability and climate resilience in heritage conservation is hindered by a lack of standardization, financial uncertainties, and the diverse needs of different heritage sites. They also discussed how innovators are devising ingenious solutions to preserving cultural heritage in the built environment, with implications for the Museum's future as both a landmark and as a key custodian of cultural heritage.
Angel’s research and technical expertise was instrumental in the award-winning 2009 rehabilitation of The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and a National Historic Landmark. This initial building enhancement involved exterior façade repairs, MEP systems upgrades, and window and skylight replacements. Later, from 2013-2015, AYON Studio provided preservation planning for the rotunda skylight, as well as additional glazing and doors. These projects at the Museum had significant influence on Angel’s later work and served as inspiration and subject matter for his 2019 book, Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons.