![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-5.jpg)
Modern Art Oxford extension by dRMM
London architects de Rijke Marsh Morgan have completed an extension to the Modern Art Oxford by transforming a delivery yard into a gallery space and café.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-2.jpg)
A painted and perforated roller-shutter encloses the space at night while apertures allow passers-by to view the space and any artwork contained within when the gallery is closed.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-4.jpg)
The omission of façade opens the space up completely to the street, and directly connects the gallery to passers-by.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-3.jpg)
The interior walls and ceiling are clad in timber and polycarbonate panels while the original tarmac floor of the yard, complete with yellow road markings, has been retained.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-6.jpg)
The space provides street level access into the gallery and will function as a multi-use space and lobby.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-7.jpg)
The following information is from the architects:
Modern Art Oxford
Oxford, UK
2010
A redefinition of existing ground floor facilities with a new multi-use space for a flexible programme of films, performance events, installations and café bar.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-8.jpg)
Modern Art Oxford’s brief to promote access to and use of the Gallery was met by dRMM with the transformation of an existing delivery yard into a new type of gallery space for the UK, a ‘storefront gallery’ venue.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-9.jpg)
The new 5x15x5m ramped lobby is positioned as an installation work; not permanent, plastered or white, but carefully constructed from massive engineered timber and polycarbonate panels.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-10.jpg)
Artists will in turn react to and transform this entry space with an ongoing programme of exhibits.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-11.jpg)
The Yard provides a new entrance and overall image for the museum on a more active street frontage, with direct level access, in central Oxford. Streetscape improvements are envisioned with the scheme as catalyst.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-12.jpg)
The Yard is intended to address the pedestrian or cyclist; shoppers and tourists are as welcome as students and regular gallery-goers.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-13.jpg)
The deliberate omission of façade connects the gallery directly with the Oxford streetscape by day. At night, a specially painted and perforated roller shutter invites the passerby to view interior and exterior as a simultaneous artwork.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-14.jpg)
dRMM designed the Yard from an idea by MAO Director Michael Stanley, and coordinated contributing design input of structural engineer, catering consultant and specialist LED lighting manufacturer.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-17.jpg)
With contributing artwork for bar, furniture and shutter by Richard Woods, MAO and dRMM present gallery architecture as ‘useful art’.
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-15.jpg)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Oxford city centre, UK
Start on site: March 2010
Completion: May 2010
Client: Modern Art Oxford; Michael Stanley, Helen Shilton, Caroline Winnicott
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-16.jpg)
PROJECT TEAM
Architect: dRMM Alex de Rijke, Satoshi Isono, Junko Yanagisawa
Artist: Richard Woods
Structure/M&E Engineer: Ridge and Partners
![Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects Modern Art Oxford by dRMM Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/07/dzn_Modern-Art-Oxford-by-dRMM-Architects-18.jpg)
Cost Consultant: David Flower
Specialist Timber Contractor: KLH UK
Catering Consultant: John Conroy
Main Contractor: Knowles and Son
MATERIALS
Timber, Polycarbonate, Paint
See also:
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