nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 (edited) A new building is in the talking stages for the MFA. It would mainly house the 20th century and contemporary collections.The museum has 3 sites in mind. One is at the current garage location on Fannin. Another is across Binz from the garage and a third is north of the Mies wing off Main.There are any number of world-class architects worthy of the job. I'd like to hear any suggestions you might have regarding the selection.Here's a few of mine:Renzo Piano [Menil Collection; Cy Twombly]Yoshio Taniguchi [MOMA and the new Aisa Museum in Houston]Zaha Hadid [Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, Cincinnati]Rem Koolhaas [seattle Public Library]Those are but a few of my choices for architect.If you could add any pictures with your choices, that would be great.As always, Edited December 16, 2005 by nmainguy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Talbot 31 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 Hmm, out of those, I think I would go with either Yoshio Taniguchi or Zaha Hadid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 Hmm, out of those, I think I would go with either Yoshio Taniguchi or Zaha Hadid.Hadid has done some fantastic work but she has a reputation for being "difficult". That may be because she is a successful woman in a man's world. Maybe if she was a man she would just be aggressive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 I will take some shots of the new MOMA when we're in Manhattan next week. I'll post them here when I return. I'm anxious to see how the art works in the new environment as-in my opinion-the museum should only serve as the back-drop. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arche_757 839 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 hmmm..........how about Coop/Himmelblau?j/khow about a competition!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 (edited) http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/images/projects/groning/groning0.jpg' alt='groning0.jpg'>A competition would be a great idea.A selection committee bold enough to do some of the above would be fantastic!!! Edited December 16, 2005 by nmainguy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sunstar 608 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 A competition would be a great idea.A selection committee bold enough to do some of the above would be fantastic!!! Considering that all three sites mentioned are right by the existing buildings and with the Museum District being what it is, I would be surprised if they went with a radical design. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised none the less. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 Considering that all three sites mentioned are right by the existing buildings and with the Museum District being what it is, I would be surprised if they went with a radical design. Pleasantly surprised, but surprised none the less.The Main St. site would probably be the best if it were to be something more "radical". Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Talbot 31 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 I think it would be nice to see some competition between developers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 I think the "starchitect" approach is the wrong one for MFAH. Better to hold a competition and get a good design than to just pay for a big name and get another box like the Beck. They will face a serious challenge with any new addition. A new building will have to somehow complement the existing structures without overwhelming them, so something too radical probably won't happen. There will be additional constraints from trying to integrate the physical spaces of three buildings on three different blocks in some coherent manner. Finally, the relatively small footprint and square block size will dictate some of the design. Finally (unfortunately), Houston is extremely conservative when it comes to architecture, so I think the museum would back off from anything too cutting edge. Actually, it was exactly these constraints that explain some of the design of the Beck building. It was designed to maximize area within the block, hence the efficient but boring "big box". Also it had to be taller than the Law building while not overshadowing the Mies facade, which was meant to remain the focal point, hence the plain unadorned look. As much as I dislike it, I can understand how Moneo came up with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 I think the "starchitect" approach is the wrong one for MFAH. Better to hold a competition and get a good design than to just pay for a big name and get another box like the Beck. They will face a serious challenge with any new addition. A new building will have to somehow complement the existing structures without overwhelming them, so something too radical probably won't happen. There will be additional constraints from trying to integrate the physical spaces of three buildings on three different blocks in some coherent manner. Finally, the relatively small footprint and square block size will dictate some of the design. Finally (unfortunately), Houston is extremely conservative when it comes to architecture, so I think the museum would back off from anything too cutting edge. Actually, it was exactly these constraints that explain some of the design of the Beck building. It was designed to maximize area within the block, hence the efficient but boring "big box". Also it had to be taller than the Law building while not overshadowing the Mies facade, which was meant to remain the focal point, hence the plain unadorned look. As much as I dislike it, I can understand how Moneo came up with it.Architect's fees are often only a small percentage of the total construction cost. The Main St. property north of First Pres is quite large.The original William Ward Watkin building is distinctly opposed to the 2 Mies additions. Likewise, the Mies additions are wildly different from the Moneo. If you weren't familiar with the MFA and stood back and looked at the 2 you would have no idea they are related.This is a great chance to have the best without the constraints of site and provenceal attitudes. When both Mies were constructed, they were seen as radical-I'm old enough to remember-unfortunatly ]. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 "The Museum Has Three Faces" The original Watkins building is totally different from the Mies additions, but it is generally hard to see them together so it isn't quite as incongruous as it sounds, or could have been. I believe I read at the time the Beck was added that the main common point of reference between the Beck and Mies was the use of the same colored stonework facing. Other than that, the Beck avoids clashing with the Mies building mainly by being as featureless as possible. You are right that there is no stylistic continuity, which is a shame. I'm not saying the Beck should have copied the Mies, but perhaps at least echoed it enough to suggest that the buildings were related. Another MFAH addition could be a great opportunity to put Houston back on the architecture map where it once was, but I'm not getting my hopes up that anything great will happen, although I have no doubt they will hire a big name for the design. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 This is a great chance to have the best without the constraints of site and provenceal attitudes. When both Mies were constructed, they were seen as radicalThat's interesting they were thought of as radical, since today it seems pretty subdued, like a corporate office. Were they unpopular at the time, or were they accepted quickly? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nmainguy 13 Posted December 16, 2005 Author Share Posted December 16, 2005 That's interesting they were thought of as radical, since today it seems pretty subdued, like a corporate office. Were they unpopular at the time, or were they accepted quickly?I think people were stunned and curious at the time but once they stepped inside, all that melted away. It was-and still is-just a fantastic way to display art of all types and sizes. People latched onto it almost immediatly and have loved it ever since. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
editor 989 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 A new building is in the talking stages for the MFA. It would mainly house the 20th century and contemporary collections.The museum has 3 sites in mind. One is at the current garage location on Fannin. Another is across Binz from the garage and a third is north of the Mies wing off Main.There are any number of world-class architects worthy of the job. I'd like to hear any suggestions you might have regarding the selection.Here's a few of mine:Renzo Piano [Menil Collection; Cy Twombly]Yoshio Taniguchi [MOMA and the new Aisa Museum in Houston]Zaha Hadid [Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, Cincinnati]Rem Koolhaas [seattle Public Library]Those are but a few of my choices for architect.If you could add any pictures with your choices, that would be great.As always, Excellent examples. I think Houston needs just this sort of thing.Here's another great builidng that would be a good museum. It's part of the University of Cincinnati. It's nice to see a Frank Gehry that's not all shiny and reflective. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bachanon 442 Posted December 16, 2005 Share Posted December 16, 2005 a tadao ando would be nice. although the setting would be quite different than the modern. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
arche_757 839 Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 If Frank Gehry did get the commision for the mext MFA then perhaps he could break from his own mold of curvy, drunken designs - they are "neat" but not to my taste and look better in the middle of the woods given the organic nature of his buildings (alumnium siding not withstanding).Perhaps even:Lake/FlatoMiller Hull? - they might have to leave the Northwest School behind for this oneAntoine PredockHerzog de Meuron Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 If Frank Gehry did get the commision for the mext MFA then perhaps he could break from his own mold of curvy, drunken designs - they are "neat" but not to my taste and look better in the middle of the woods given the organic nature of his buildings (alumnium siding not withstanding).True enough. Problem is that Gehry is a victim of his own success, and clients demand that curvy Gehry look. I read that for his Millenium Park commission he originally came up with something different, but they went back to him and requested the trademark swirling metal. I suspect that by the time the new MFAH is commissioned he will be considered kind of dated and 1990s. I agree with Bach on the Ando. Something like the Ft. Worth Modern art museum would look great with the existing MFAH buildings. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jax 732 Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 I noticed some new construction as I drove up Montrose today. It was on the east side of the street between Bartlett and Barkdull. It looked like they were tearing up a parking lot. It might have something to do with the religious school around there. Any ideas? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ranucci 0 Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 I noticed some new construction as I drove up Montrose today. It was on the east side of the street between Bartlett and Barkdull. It looked like they were tearing up a parking lot. It might have something to do with the religious school around there. Any ideas?The MFAH is resurfacing/expanding the Glassell School parking lot. Nothing too exciting. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jax 732 Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Boring. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 I was at the MFAH yesterday looking at the Ife exhibit and got into a conversation with one of the attendants. She told me about a new MFAH wing/building slated to start construction in early-2011. I hadn't heard this before.According to her, the new facility will house modern and contemporary art. When I expressed surprise about this - given that the CAM is right there - she indicated that the CAM didn't "want to play ball" so the MFAH is going forward with this plan.The purported site is next to the Presbyterian church - where the surface lot across Binz now stands.Can anyone confirm this? Sorry if I'm behind the times. I didn't see this posted anywhere else... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2291 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 Does this have anything to do with the Duncan Family Wing? If so, it's already being discussed in another thread.What did she mean they didn't want to play ball? They wanted them involved somehow, did she say? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Porchman 121 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 (edited) Does this have anything to do with the Duncan Family Wing? If so, it's already being discussed in another thread.What did she mean they didn't want to play ball? They wanted them involved somehow, did she say?The Duncan Family Wing is at HMNS. I would venture a guess this new MFAH wing might carry the Glassell name since an enormous share of Alfred Glassel Jr's estate - about $200 million, I believe - went to the MFAH. I don't know what the "playing ball" issue is either. The CAM is committed to be a non-collecting entity. Housing the MFAH's collection might have felt like an infringement on their mission and their independence. Edited November 8, 2010 by Porchman Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sonic0boom 24 Posted November 8, 2010 Share Posted November 8, 2010 I don't know about any CAMH drama, but yes, that's about where the MFAH expansion is planned. Also, there are plans (and i do mean plans and nothing more at this time) to expand where Glassell currently has its parking lot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LTAWACS 152 Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 The more art the better. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Good to know I wasn't just spreading unsubstantiated rumors. Again, I can't really comment on the whole "not playing ball" thing as it was a short conversation. Porchman's suggestion seems possible.Anyone know of any renderings? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LTAWACS 152 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I am looking for some. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nate 238 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 It has long been rumored there will be a new building dedicated to their collection of contemporary art, however, to my knowledge there have been no official announcements about a new MFAH building. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4620 Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 It is far more than just rumor, but also seems unlikely that construction would be starting early next year. Here is a quote from the MFAH's 2008-2009 Annual Report:The Long-Range Planning Committee . . . directed the planning of a new buildingfor conservation and storage. This facility will replace thecurrent MFAH storage and support buildings, which areno longer adequate for housing the increasing volume ofthe permanent collections. Final plans will be completedduring the next fiscal year.This committee also continued its search for an architectto design the new museum building for modern and contemporaryart. The curatorial staff has worked intensely on broadideas for the program of this future facility. Our goal is toselect the architect and to begin the design process in thenext fiscal year.The "next fiscal year" to which they refer would have ended on June 30, 2010. So, with their "goal" being to select an architect and begin the design process during that year, it seems quite unlikely that they would be ready to start construction in early 2011, especially since there has been no word of the selection of an architect, let alone a capital campaign to fund the construction. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
august948 1300 Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 (edited) From the Chron...http://www.chron.com...an/7583567.htmlThe new building will house post-1900 art. Not sure if this is going up on the parking lot about a block north of Bissonnet on Montrose. The article suggest just across Bissonnet from the main museum buildings. Edited May 27, 2011 by august948 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Excellent new, IMO. I wonder what the name will be... It's possible it's named for the Alfred Glassell, Jr or even Peter Marzio himself - or another major donor, if one emerges.It's exciting to see some great names being batted around for the design firm.To the mods: This topic may be best merged with (the?) original topic found here: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24047-new-mfah-building. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4620 Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Excellent new, IMO. I wonder what the name will be... It's possible it's named for the Alfred Glassell, Jr or even Peter Marzio himself - or another major donor, if one emerges.It's exciting to see some great names being batted around for the design firm.To the mods: This topic may be best merged with (the?) original topic found here: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24047-new-mfah-building.I'd put my money on Peter Marzio. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bachanon 442 Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 mfah website link/map press release on the mfah website includes the placement of the new building and links to each of the three architectural firms. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Excellent new, IMO. I wonder what the name will be... It's possible it's named for the Alfred Glassell, Jr or even Peter Marzio himself - or another major donor, if one emerges.It's exciting to see some great names being batted around for the design firm.To the mods: This topic may be best merged with (the?) original topic found here: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24047-new-mfah-building.Done.I hope the new building is more of a success than the Beck. Marzio went the "starchitect" route with the latter and I think it turned out a fairly major disappointment design-wise. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 Done.Thanks. Just out of curiosity -- How are the number of views of a topic on the forum affected by topic merges? Does the system just sum the views? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 (edited) I hope the new building is more of a success than the Beck. Marzio went the "starchitect" route with the latter and I think it turned out a fairly major disappointment design-wise.I like the design of the Beck - but I understand that (perhaps 'objectively') it was a disappointment to many. I hope the design of the new building bridges the spaces around it well - specifically, the Law building, the Beck building, the Methodist church, the Presbyterian church, and the sculpture garden. Perhaps I'm too optimistic... That's a lot to ask... Edited May 28, 2011 by Simbha Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 337 Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 Not sure if this thread has been created yet but they've narrowed the designer of the new building down to three architects.http://swamplot.com/the-three-finalists-chosen-to-design-the-mfahs-next-building/2011-05-31/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 There's an existing thread here: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24952-new-mfah-bulidingI don't think that Swamplot posting is on there, though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 There's an existing thread here: http://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/24952-new-mfah-bulidingI don't think that Swamplot posting is on there, though.Note duplicate topics merged. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 337 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 http://www.chron.com...ign-2972381.php 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jax 732 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Groovy, I can't wait to see a rendering. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
shasta 337 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Groovy, I can't wait to see a rendering.According to the article, the timeline is 5-7 years and they (MFAH) aren't exactly sure what they want the museum to be so we may be waiting for a little while. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Simbha 66 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 (edited) In the absence of renderings, here are some shots of contemporary art museums which Holl's firm has designed around the world.I've also provided square footage for each building. The plot for the new building is around the same size as that for the Beck Building, which has roughly 190,000 square feet of floor space.All the images I've posted below are from the website of Steven Holl Architects. I've chosen one exterior view and one interior view in each case. More images of each can be found on the website itself (here).Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Herning DenmarkSize: 56,000 sqftStatus: CompletedNelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Addition and Restoration), Kansas City, MOSize: 165,000 sqftStatus: CompletedKiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, FinlandSize: 130,000 sqftStatus: CompletedWhile not a museum of contemporary art, the Museum of Natural History in LA is in its design phase and may offer clues regarding elements which may find their way into the MFAH expansion:Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CASize: 80,000 sqftStatus: Design Edited February 3, 2012 by Simbha Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockmat 2291 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 So we can expect a cold feeling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pleak 144 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Well, it is for the modern collection. So we shouldn't expect it to be too classical looking. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Montrose1100 3714 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 The exterior renderings are very nice, but notice how the ”european attic ceiling” shows up in all of the designs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
largeTEXAS 285 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 The scope of this project is pretty huge. In general, this building is supposed to link the entire "campus" together, add parking, add exhibition space, add a library, add community features, "bring Hermann Park to the Sculpture Garden," etc.High expectations, as there should be. I just hope we can get some awesome green walls! Well, and a cool, functional building. And, better sidewalks, and good dining options... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Subdude 1592 Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Pretty uninspiring stuff, especially the one in Kansas City that just looks cheap and tacked on. Still, I'm glad MFAH didn't go the 'starchitect' route. I always thought the Beck addition was an awful design that they signed off on to get the name. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Texasota 2933 Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 Eh, Stephen Holl is pretty much a starchitect, and his work is not uninspiring. It doesn't photograph fantastically, but there's a subtlety and attention to natural light that makes for amazing spaces in person. My experience with his buildings is limited to his expansion of the architecture building at the University of Minnesota, but coming from that space down to Johnson's excremental postmodern abortion of a Ledoux scribble was quite a change.Here's a terrible exterior shot: My biggest concern has to do with the fact that this new building is supposed to unite MFAH's campus. The Rapson Hall addition integrates beautifully with the original Modernist building, but it's relationship to its greater context is more...questionable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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