An interesting article discussing the history of the Whitney’s plans for expansion. Have a read: NYT: Whitneys That Never Were
As with every world cup or international sporting event, one of the exciting parts is to check out the new stadiums. In Paris there was the Stade de France and in Beijing there was the Bird’s Nest. This year its the World Cup in South Africa and so we marvel at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. With an exterior built of woven fibreglass coated with Teflon, this “Diva of Capetown” actually changes colors depending on the time of day and the weather. Pretty cool if you ask me…For more see below.
The passing of a heavy weight of modern art. Very sad. NYT: Louise Bourgeois, Influential Sculptor, Dies at 98
For more click here
Courtesy of Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Cooper, Robertson & Partners
Yesterday, the board of the Whitney officially voted to break ground on their Renzo Piano designed meatpacking wing next year. This is a big step in the history of the Whiney which has been plagued with failed attempts to expand on their uptown location. In addition, the board announced that once they move into their new downtown location, the Breuer building would be shared with another arts institution such as the Met. For more: Whitney Museum Plans New Building Downtown
The Pompidou Museum‘s new outpost in Metz, France was inaugurated today by French President Sarkozy and will open to the public tomorrow. Designed by famed Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the local government is hoping that the new museum will have a “Bilbao Effect” on the region, a term referring to the impact that the Guggenheim Bilbao had on the local economy of Bilbao, Spain. This 72.5 Million Euro project is expected to bring 200,000 visitors to the region over the next year. For more on the topic: Guardian: Metz hopes rub of Pompidou’s ‘magic lantern’ will bring tourists and NYT: ‘Smurf House’? ‘Chinese Hat’? Museum Intrigues
Meier's model village, with the Getty Center in foreground. (Photo: Scott Frances/Courtesy Richard Meier & Partners)
The Richard Meier Model Museum is officially reopened for the summer running through August 27th. Tours can be arranged through Richard Meier & Partners Architects at 212-967-6060. By way of A/N Blog
For years we have been wondering what they are going to do with the space. They finally decided. Wednesday evening the board approved plans to build a 16 story $353 million University Center. It includes house lecture halls, an auditorium, academic spaces, student lounges, stores and a 600-bed dormitory on the top nine floors. For more: NYT: The New School to Build a Multipurpose, 16-Story Building
Also check out: NYT: Bold Brass and Glass, and the World Inside on Display
Carlson and Co., the premiere fabricator of contemporary art works for Jeff Koons and Claes Oldenburg amongst others announced today that it was closed. According to Bloomberg.com, they let go all of their 95 employees last week and the fate of their current projects including Koon’s 70-foot-long replica of a 1943 steam locomotive, designed to dangle from a crane, outside LACMA are unknown. This is just another sign of the times and how it is affecting the arts…very sad. For more: Bloomberg.com: Koons ‘Dog’ Fabricator Carlson Shuts as Recession Hits Big Art
I don’t know about you but this is kinda freaky…imagine waking up in the middle of the night and seeing a shark right next to you…that said definitely want to check it out in person! I have a friend in the Maldives…you know who you are…get your guest room ready!!! Check it: Luxist: Sleep Underwater in the Maldives
Love this post by way of A Brie Grows in Brooklyn. Gary Chang, architect in Hong Kong, took his 300 sq foot home and created a modular apartment that can be used in 24 different ways. For more: NYT: 24 Rooms Tucked Into One
