Some buildings deserve more than one lease of life. In Novato, north of San Francisco, stands a rather extraordinary example. Built in the 1960s for the publisher McGraw-Hill, it was later used by Birkenstock and has stood empty for several years. Now, this striking industrial complex, with its sculptural concrete roof, is set to become a museum dedicated to the creative legacy of Charles and Ray Eames. And it aims to go far beyond that.
Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, known for projects including the Tate Modern in London, have unveiled their plans in collaboration with EHDD and landscape architects Field Operations. Rather than demolishing the existing building, it will be carefully redeveloped. At its heart is an exhibition hall approximately 122 metres long, complemented by galleries, workshops, event spaces and extensive gardens. A new hub for art, architecture and design is to be created on the site, which covers around 36 hectares.
What makes it special is that the Eames Institute does not see itself as a traditional museum where beautiful objects are displayed behind glass. Rather, the aim is to reveal how ideas are born, with open workshops, experimental spaces and exhibitions that showcase not only finished objects but also the creative processes behind them.
This is entirely in keeping with the spirit of Charles and Ray Eames, who had a decisive influence on 20th-century design through their furniture, films and experiments.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the aim of opening in 2030. Until then, there is still plenty of time for new ideas. And perhaps that is precisely the finest aspect of this project: a museum that not only preserves design history but, above all, inspires a sense of excitement about the future.
