With its upper level hovering dramatically over the water, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers its visitors, a rich and dynamic visual experience. The building deals with the challenging concept of offering both interactive public areas and intimate private spaces within a single unified entity.

As explained by Elizabeth Diller: “The design of the ICA negotiates between two competing objectives: to perform as a dynamic civic building filled with public and social activities, and as a contemplative space providing individual visitors with intimate experiences with contemporary art.  The "public" building is built from the ground up; the "intimate" building, from the sky down ».