Architectural Cases

Herzog & de Meuron is embarking on a significant architectural endeavor, repurposing the former Birkenstock campus in Novato, California, into the new Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity museum. This ambitious project seeks to honor the existing structure's unique hyperbolic paraboloid roof, integrating its sculptural concrete form into a modern cultural destination. The reimagined campus will feature diverse spaces, including exhibition galleries, hands-on workshops, a state-of-the-art theater, and beautifully designed gardens, aiming to create a comprehensive experience that transcends the original contributions of Charles and Ray Eames. The masterplan has been submitted to the City of Novato, with major construction slated for 2028 and an anticipated opening in 2030.

The transformation highlights the innovative spirit of design by preserving the original building's dramatic silhouette while completely overhauling its internal functions. Visitors will first encounter an architectural marvel, setting the stage for the ingenuity housed within. The project, a collaboration with San Francisco's EHDD as executive architect and Field Operations managing the landscape, covers approximately 88 acres, promising a vibrant new hub for creativity and learning. The focus on both the practical and aesthetic aspects of design ensures that the museum itself becomes a testament to architectural brilliance and inventive problem-solving.

Architectural Vision and Interior Design

The architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron has meticulously planned the museum's interior to complement the existing, expressive roof structure. A grand central hall will be a focal point, allowing the roof's distinctive geometry to remain a visible and integral part of the visitor experience. The approach to the museum will be marked by an entrance court carved into an existing earth berm, creating a harmonious transition from the natural landscape. A striking steel-clad bridge will offer an elevated pathway through the building, its reflective surface mirroring fragments of the surroundings and contrasting beautifully with the solid concrete canopy above. This thoughtful integration of old and new elements will ensure that the building's historical integrity is respected while providing a contemporary and engaging environment.

Beneath the soaring peaks of the roof, circulation paths will seamlessly connect various exhibition areas with communal gathering and working spaces. Building services and lighting will be discreetly integrated into the ceiling, minimizing visual clutter and allowing the architectural form to take center stage. The museum's programming is designed to provide interactive experiences, showcasing the creative process alongside finished works. Studios and workshops dedicated to wood and ceramics will be interspersed with flexible exhibition spaces, inviting visitors to engage directly with the making process. This hands-on approach extends to the museum's broader collecting strategy, encompassing industrial design, painting, sculpture, and other disciplines, all inspired by the Eames legacy of experimentation across generations. The museum will be a dynamic space where the practical, and often messy, business of creation is celebrated before objects are presented on pedestals.

Integrating Art, Design, and Landscape

Field Operations plays a crucial role in harmonizing the Eames Institute Museum with its surrounding environment by meticulously crafting the landscape design. At both the northern and southern boundaries of the structure, glass façades are thoughtfully recessed, creating expansive, covered areas that serve as transitional zones between the indoor exhibits and the outdoor gardens. These sheltered spaces not only enhance the visitor experience but also extend the possibilities for outdoor exhibitions and daily activities, transforming former industrial loading zones into inviting public areas. This seamless integration ensures that the museum experience flows effortlessly between the built environment and the natural world.

The landscape design by Field Operations incorporates ten distinct gardens, interconnected by a network of pathways. These gardens will feature native plant species indigenous to the region, such as oak, manzanita, and California poppy, reflecting the diverse habitats of Marin County—from lush woodlands to expansive coastal prairies. This approach grounds the museum within its local ecosystem, rather than treating the landscape as a mere uniform backdrop. The outdoor spaces are designed for a variety of uses, including areas for sculpture, interactive play zones, and settings for communal events, alongside quieter spots for contemplation and walking. This multifaceted design allows for a versatile museum visit, accommodating different paces and preferences, whether attending a workshop, enjoying a performance, or simply spending a leisurely afternoon immersed in nature. Following the Institute's acquisition of the property in 2025, the comprehensive masterplan has been formally submitted, with construction poised to commence in 2028, aiming for a grand opening in 2030.

The iconic Maison Prouvé 58, a prefabricated dwelling conceived by the visionary duo Jean and Claude Prouvé in 1958, has been meticulously reassembled and re-envisioned in the picturesque region near Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southern France. This remarkable residence, once slated for demolition in Alsace, has been given a new lease on life, nestled amidst fragrant pine and olive trees, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Operated by Les Maisons CAB, this architectural marvel now welcomes guests for overnight stays, inviting them to experience a piece of history.

The journey of this distinctive structure began in Epfig, northeastern France, where it was initially commissioned by local notary Édouard Degott. Over six decades, the house underwent various modifications before facing an uncertain future when the municipality acquired the property for urban redevelopment. Fortunately, Belgian art collector Hubert Bonnet intervened in 2021, acquiring the house and orchestrating its careful dismantling. Its components were then transported to Nancy for restoration before being painstakingly re-erected in Provence, where its signature aluminum facade and extensive glazing now harmonize with an entirely new environment.

Maison Prouvé 58 stands as a testament to the Prouvé family's pioneering work in industrialized construction. Jean Prouvé, renowned for his lightweight, demountable buildings, entrusted his son Claude with the architectural plans and construction oversight of this particular project. The house, completed in 1959, embodies many of Jean Prouvé's core design principles. It features prefabricated sandwich panels with insulated cores and ribbed aluminum surfaces, complemented by expansive glazing supported by slender metal columns along the garden-facing facade. Laminated wood elements support a roof finished in folded aluminum, showcasing the innovative use of materials. Inside, the 115-square-meter interior is thoughtfully arranged with a central corridor separating private and communal spaces, furnished with exquisite pieces by Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, and Le Corbusier, seamlessly blending architecture with modernist design.

The rebirth of Maison Prouvé 58 signifies a commitment to preserving architectural heritage and embracing sustainable practices. Its relocation and restoration demonstrate how innovative design can adapt and thrive across different landscapes and eras. This project highlights the enduring value of modernist principles and the importance of salvaging structures that represent significant artistic and technological achievements. By offering the house for stays, Les Maisons CAB not only preserves its legacy but also allows a wider audience to engage with and appreciate the foresight and craftsmanship embedded in this unique dwelling, inspiring future generations to reconsider the possibilities of prefabrication and adaptive reuse in architecture.