Michael ZepedaDesign Director
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Architecture / Exhibits / Digital Experiences

The Dalí — Expansion Vision

St. Petersburg, Florida2023 · Expansion pursuit / concept design

An expansion concept that explores surrealism through space, reflection, projection, and changing perspectives. Flexible immersive environments extend the museum journey into learning, events, and visitor amenities.

My contribution

Under Yann Weymouth’s direction, I led major portions of the design vision, experiential strategy, digital integration, and visitor experience, working with the museum team to explore future programming and technology.

How can surrealism become something you physically move through?

From viewing art to entering it

Projection, sound, responsive media, and physical space become part of interpretation. The concepts explore how digital experiences could extend a collection beyond traditional gallery walls.

Visitors surrounded by a continuous projected art environment in a concept visualization.
An immersive environment designed to be reprogrammed.

One room, many possible futures

One room can shift between an open banquet, a divided lecture and reception, and an immersive event. The concept combines flexible layouts with reprogrammable projection, allowing both the arrangement and atmosphere to change with the program.

Concept visualization of guests around banquet tables, surrounded by large Dalí projections and warm reflected light.
Immersive event / Projection transforms the atmosphere around a dining layout. Concept rendering.
Axonometric concept study showing round banquet tables arranged across the museum event room.
Banquet / An open arrangement of round tables uses the full event room. Concept study within the existing museum.
Axonometric concept study showing the museum event room divided between rows of lecture seating and round reception tables.
Lecture + reception / A divided configuration supports two programs within the same room. Concept study within the existing museum.

A complete visitor journey

The vision extends from arrival and sensory thresholds through exhibition, learning, and retail. The proposal respects the existing building while exploring a distinct next chapter under its original architect’s direction.

Concept rendering of a curved illuminated museum expansion at twilight.
Museum expansion concept rendering.
A rendered group gathers at a long table beside a pixelated portrait installation.
Concept rendering: an education space connecting art, gathering, and discovery.

Collaboration & credits

  • Practice: PBK.
  • Design direction: Yann Weymouth, architect of The Dalí’s 2011 building.

Next project

Friendswood / Arts + Athletics