ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how a building, its location and its relationship to its context contributes to the success of a contemporary art museum, challenging the assumption that high profile architecture (so called starchitecture) is necessary to create spaces that engage and delight visitors. It uses the relocation of the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham and the expansion of the MCA in Sydney to discuss how an open minded and collaborative approach that engages staff and potential visitors in the architectural design process, driven by clear vision, delivers results.
