Install Spotlight: Yale Center for British Arts

Project: Yale Center for British Arts

Location: New Haven, CT

Contractor: M. Frank Higgins & Co., Inc.

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The design strategy for the Yale Center for British Art focused on one primary goal: to protect the original vision of iconic architect Louis Kahn. The Long Gallery on the fourth floor was converted from a series of blocked-off units to a single stretch of salon-style exhibition space.

The exact color and texture of the wool carpet was specified by George Knight in honor of Kahn’s vision. No dyes are allowed in the museum environment so the process of matching this same flooring was held to the highest standards. It required the design team to travel to both the UK and New Zealand to find and inspect wool matching the specified color and texture before it could be converted into a flooring material.

The carpet contrasts with the gray textured concrete columns exuding strength throughout the building. Thanks to M. Frank Higgins & Co., Inc.’s INSTALL training and certification, the flooring installation will stand the test of time holding up to visitor foot traffic.