Double-Layer Perforated Metal Museum Façade and Interior Panels

The Tampa Museum of Art’s facade, designed by architect Stanley Saitowitz, features a distinctive, shimmering exterior made of two layers of offset, perforated aluminum panels. With a 3”-diameter aligned hole pattern on the top layer and a 1”-diameter aligned hole pattern behind it, this design creates a dynamic moiré visual effect that reflects the shimmering river water nearby. The offset allowed for dynamic lighting effects to be housed in the 5” offset. The design of the space was to create an empty frame or canvas for the art to speak. The perforated metal helped create a neutral surface that was subtle yet still interesting through texture.