Friday, March 20, 2015

Light and Time--Kimble Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas



Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Seen At Last--Kimble Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas

During my first architectural studio, I was assigned to research Louis Kahn's Kimble Art Museum. Through my research, I became fascinated with Kahn's use of material, lighting, and attention to detail in all of his projects, and his work has been a source of inspiration for many of my designs. Three years later, I finally was able to visit the museum and architectural marvel for myself. Seeing the pictures of the building was one thing, but experiencing the playful illumination of the galleries for one's self is another! As others around me analyzed the paintings, my eyes were to the ceiling--the true artwork. The ceiling seemed to glow and beautifully diffused into the space below, creating a light atmosphere which contrasted the heavy sandstone and concrete material. What thought Kahn put into his designs! Even details such as the handrail (perfectly formed swirls) were of note. 


Sunday, March 15, 2015

Leaping Back in Time--Fort Worth, Texas, Botanical Gardens

Spring begins with an old-fashioned road trip across Texas. First stop, Fort Worth. 
Subtle signs of spring are hinted at the FW Botanical Gardens--pansies in yellows, blues, and purples, chirping birds, and the faint sound of an orchestra playing the wedding march can be heard at the pavilion.The air is fresh with fragrant blooms and color is sporadic against the still-brown landscape. Excited children whiz past me, as I walk a tree lined boardwalk, their parents frantically trying to keep up. Others bask on the lawn, catching the first warm sun rays of the season. 


Saturday, March 7, 2015

Antique Shopping in Historic Warehouses--West Bottoms, Kansas City

In the West Bottoms district just west of Kansas City, eclectic antique shops have converted a dead warehouse district into a trendy and vibrant area. Every first weekend of the month, these galleries open their doors for extended hours, creating a festival-like atmosphere as locals flock to find their next treasure and food trucks station themselves. The high density of shops in the concentrated few blocks makes it easy to jump from one storefront to another, finding knick knacks of all sorts and sizes.