Picture Perfect

Staff -- Interior Design, 11/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

After receiving a face-lift, the American Academy in Rome's Photographic Archive building—housing one of the most significant collections of architectural, art, archaeological, and landscape photography—reopens this month. The collection of more than 60,000 images is stored in a minimalist two-story structure renovated by architects Cinzia Abbate and Carlo Vigevano, adjacent to the Academy's main building. The completely modified interior features a dramatic new beech-wood staircase cantilevered from Pompeiian red concrete walls and topped by a skylight. In addition to the archives, the building houses a study room and offices.