Visual Arts

Expanding an architectural masterpiece is never an easy proposition. But architect Renzo Piano is working on a plan for a bigger, better Kimbell Art Museum that aims to complement the vision of original designer Louis I. Kahn.

Mr. Piano, who designed Dallas' Nasher Sculpture Center, has been hired to handle the addition to the Fort Worth museum.

When Kimbell officials announced the expansion last year, they spoke of adding a building across the street on Arch Adams Street. But after discussing the project with the Kimbell board, Mr. Piano now wants to consider the lawn just west of the museum as a possible site, said Malcolm Warner, acting director of the Kimbell.

"It is true that we are now considering the whole Kimbell site, both the west lawn and the Darnell property on the east side," Mr. Warner said. "We're considering every possibility as a location for the building, but by no means have we decided on an exact location.

"Naturally, people were curious recently when they saw geotechnical equipment being used on our site. We've done these tests all over the site, both on the east side and now the west. ... But as I've told other people," he added with a laugh, "Renzo Piano's design for the building is changing radically every month. You can't hurry genius."

Mr. Warner said the Kimbell hopes to break ground in 2009 and open its new building, which should double the gallery space, in 2012. The Kimbell opened in 1974.

Should Mr. Piano and the Kimbell board choose to expand onto the west lawn, the design may resemble more closely the original vision of the late Mr. Kahn. Kahn's original design called for 14 barrel vaults, a number he had to reduce to six because of budget constraints.

"If we had built it according to Louis Kahn's original concept," Mr. Warner said, "we wouldn't be going through the process we're going through now."

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