Museum of Fine Arts Houston Expansion

[shasta 337]

On 8/29/2020 at 1:33 AM, Stone said:

I took this photo back in June and was intrigued with the apparent “spider web” like pattern highlighted by the sun within the translucent tubes. 

 

Something has always looked off to me as the stacked vertical tubes meet - the abutting seams just look dark and unfinished. Could there actually be a film covering the clear glass tubes? 👀

 

I doubt it, but it’s interesting speculation nonetheless.  

Let's wait and see.

Edited September 9, 2020 by shasta

[rgarza 406]

[mls1202 432]

Now that you show this view from above, the origin of the "spiderweb" pattern mystery seems so obvious, but damn it if I never considered that the tubes were open on top and would require some sort of covering.

 

What I want to know is what happens when a pigeon lands on top and sh*!ts through the grating, leaving a nice streak on the inside of these tubes...

[gene 3058]

i got confirmation yesterday from a source that wishes to remain anonymous that the reason there are only 6 clear tubes FOR NOW is that they are testing them out...they are like bank tubes at the drive thru but for people...you step in and they suction you up to the next level...for now they can each only hold up to 2 people or a family of 3 to 4 depending on how small the child is...

 

 

[Specwriter 402]

3 hours ago, mls1202 said:

What I want to know is what happens when a pigeon lands on top and sh*!ts through the grating, leaving a nice streak on the inside of these tubes...

mls, do you remember the chimney sweeps from the movie "Mary Poppins"?

[hindesky 46812]

 

[DarklyMoron 221]

Not entirely surprising, but it was announced today that the opening has been pushed back from November 1st to November 21st.

Press release: https://www.mfah.org/press/mfah-announces-inaugural-installations-kinder-building

Chronicle: https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/art-exhibits/here-s-when-you-can-visit-mfah-s-new-kinder-15567959

Edited September 15, 2020 by DarklyMoron
Adding image from press release.

[jmitch94 2033]

30 minutes ago, DarklyMoron said:

Not entirely surprising, but it was announced today that the opening has been pushed back from November 1st to November 21st.

Press release: https://www.mfah.org/press/mfah-announces-inaugural-installations-kinder-building

Chronicle: https://preview.houstonchronicle.com/art-exhibits/here-s-when-you-can-visit-mfah-s-new-kinder-15567959

 

That date felt a bit ambitious before the pandemic. 

Edited September 15, 2020 by jmitch94

[rgarza 406]

Quick update from the inside, museum staff have started moving in. There’s still quite a bit to do, but they are starting to move some art into the building. Of course, it’s not on display yet, but it is there! Barring any other major setbacks due to hurricanes or whatever, I think the new opening date is entirely doable. 

[mls1202 432]

rgarza, do you know what material the curved ceilings are made of?  In some pics it looks like fabric sails (with what looks like grommets along the edge), while others look like plaster.

[rgarza 406]

2 hours ago, mls1202 said:

rgarza, do you know what material the curved ceilings are made of?  In some pics it looks like fabric sails (with what looks like grommets along the edge), while others look like plaster.

It’s plaster. Fabric sails would’ve been cool, but I imagine it’d be a nightmare to keep clean. 

[H-Town Man 5008]

It's like Georgia O'Keefe designed an ice chest.

 

[MidCenturyMoldy 621]

Does anyone have any nighttime photos? I wanna see the glow!

[Houston19514 4658]

Interesting article in The Architect's Newspaper:

 

 

Dazzling Glaze: Steven Holl Architects tames the harsh Houston glare with clever massing and opaque tubular glass

 

[clutchcity94 385]

On 9/16/2020 at 11:16 AM, rgarza said:

It’s plaster. Fabric sails would’ve been cool, but I imagine it’d be a nightmare to keep clean. 

@rgarza When do you think y’all will be testing the illuminated tubes at night...anytime soon? Would love to see how it looks lit up!

[cloud713 4038]

On 9/15/2020 at 5:22 PM, rgarza said:

Quick update from the inside, museum staff have started moving in. There’s still quite a bit to do, but they are starting to move some art into the building. Of course, it’s not on display yet, but it is there!

Have they moved in the Kusama room?

[MidCenturyMoldy 621]

23 hours ago, clutchcity94 said:

@rgarza When do you think y’all will be testing the illuminated tubes at night...anytime soon? Would love to see how it looks lit up!

I found this photo of a model of the building at night a day or so ago. I’d never seen it before. It’s definitely better than the original model we’ve all seen.

Edited September 23, 2020 by MidCenturyMoldy

[rgarza 406]

On 9/22/2020 at 3:15 PM, clutchcity94 said:

@rgarza When do you think y’all will be testing the illuminated tubes at night...anytime soon? Would love to see how it looks lit up!

Not sure. They were lighting up at night for a while but stopped recently. Not too sure why, but I can assure you it does look pretty cool when it’s lit up. 

14 hours ago, cloud713 said:

Have they moved in the Kusama room?

Yes, I saw it out of the corner of my eye as I was walking by last week and was instantly mesmerized. And that was just from seeing through the door from twenty feet away!

[rgarza 406]

41 minutes ago, MidCenturyMoldy said:

I found this photo of a model of the building at night a day or so ago. I’d never seen it before. It’s definitely better than the original model we’ve all seen.

Looks about right. The only difference I can see is there is no longer a canopy at the entrance. Also, when I saw it lit up the light wasn’t quite that bright white, but I think this does give a good idea of what it’ll look like. 

[mls1202 432]

16 hours ago, rgarza said:

Looks about right. The only difference I can see is there is no longer a canopy at the entrance. Also, when I saw it lit up the light wasn’t quite that bright white, but I think this does give a good idea of what it’ll look like. 

@rgarza, are those lights:

1) "windows" through the concrete wall?

2) light panels behind the glass tubes?

3) or do I have it all wrong and these are lights external to the glass and are actually shining on the outside?

[DarklyMoron 221]

Both 1 & 2. The actual windows through the concrete (which are relatively few) are being augmented with some fictional "windows" placed on the concrete. (My husband works at the museum. I'm pretty sure that that's public information.)

Edited September 24, 2020 by DarklyMoron
Full disclosure

[MidCenturyMoldy 621]

1 hour ago, DarklyMoron said:

Both 1 & 2. The actual windows through the concrete (which are relatively few) are being augmented with some fictional "windows" placed on the concrete. (My husband works at the museum. I'm pretty sure that that's public information.)

 

Here's the building before the tubes were in place. As you say, it looks like there are real windows and window-shaped indentations in the concrete. 

[MarathonMan 1159]

On 9/23/2020 at 2:47 PM, MidCenturyMoldy said:

I found this photo of a model of the building at night a day or so ago. I’d never seen it before. It’s definitely better than the original model we’ve all seen.

The model/rendering looks cool.  I’m still bummed that the most interesting aspect of the exterior design (imho) — the roof — will go largely unseen.  Although, it should translate to a spectacular ceiling on the inside.

[rgarza 406]

20 minutes ago, MarathonMan said:

The model/rendering looks cool.  I’m still bummed that the most interesting aspect of the exterior design (imho) — the roof — will go largely unseen.  Although, it should translate to a spectacular ceiling on the inside.

Best view of the roof will be from the top of the Glassel School, and you’re right about the interior ceilings - spectacular!

[Sunstar 608]

6 hours ago, MarathonMan said:

The model/rendering looks cool.  I’m still bummed that the most interesting aspect of the exterior design (imho) — the roof — will go largely unseen.  Although, it should translate to a spectacular ceiling on the inside.

agreed, the building will appear very blocky and imposing from street level. Wish they could have brought some of those sweeping design elements down into the facade a bit.

[DarklyMoron 221]

Well, this is a Steven Holl building. Glowing crystalline boxes are sort of his thing. If you want swooping sculptural forms, get yourself a Gehry.  The challenge with museum buildings is that they aren’t great candidates for bold undulating form. Curators and conservators would be thrilled with hermetically-sealed boxes. Windows and curved walls are the enemy. Overall, I think Holl has done a good job of breaking-up the large mass with the 7 insets, the cantilevered sections and the diaphanous cladding. And the true test will be how it works as gallery space inside. But, you’re right. It is a blocky building in the end.

[Sunstar 608]

2 hours ago, DarklyMoron said:

Well, this is a Steven Holl building. Glowing crystalline boxes are sort of his thing. If you want swooping sculptural forms, get yourself a Gehry.  The challenge with museum buildings is that they aren’t great candidates for bold undulating form. Curators and conservators would be thrilled with hermetically-sealed boxes. Windows and curved walls are the enemy. Overall, I think Holl has done a good job of breaking-up the large mass with the 7 insets, the cantilevered sections and the diaphanous cladding. And the true test will be how it works as gallery space inside. But, you’re right. It is a blocky building in the end.

yeah, Gehry is on the other extreme for me. I never could figure out how the interior of his buildings are even usable. In this case, just a little bit of slice would have been nice 😊. But I’m still waiting for the end product and hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I’m hoping the gardens and reflecting pools offset the imposing facade a bit and create a pleasant pedestrian experience. 

[pablog 311]

Steven Holl designed the chapel at my university, Seattle University, and the interior is one of the most thought provoking, peaceful, and transcendent spaces I’ve been in.

 

i am excited about the interior of this space. He’s an expert at how light works inside of the building 

[MarathonMan 1159]

I understand that this is a Holl building and that glowing boxes are sort of his thing.  It’s a fine building, and I’m sure the interior will be nice and functional.  Safe with a little twist, in my opinion.  I’m just waiting for Houston to commission a “take your breath away” piece of architecture that makes people worldwide go, “Whoa!”  I think we missed an opportunity to really advertise Houston’s impressive cultural establishment to the world.   I’d submit places like Bilbao, Denver, Mexico City, Antwerp, Valencia, Hanoi, Paris, Alberta, Minneapolis have seized their opportunity more effectively.

Edited September 27, 2020 by MarathonMan

[pablog 311]

4 minutes ago, MarathonMan said:

I understand that this is a Holl building and that glowing boxes are sort of his thing.  It’s a fine building, and I’m sure the interior will be nice and functional.  Safe with a little twist, in my opinion.  I’m just waiting for Houston to commission a “take your breath away” piece of architecture that makes people worldwide go, “Whoa!”  I think we missed an opportunity really advertise Houston’s impressive cultural establishment to the world.   Places like Bilbao, Denver, Mexico City, Antwerp, Valencia, Hanoi, Paris, Alberta, Minneapolis seized their opportunity more effectively.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I definitely like this building more than the majority of those in your post. Some take my breath away in a bad sense. But everyone has their own opinion, which is the beauty of art/architecture! 

[iah77 295]

25 minutes ago, MarathonMan said:

I understand that this is a Holl building and that glowing boxes are sort of his thing.  It’s a fine building, and I’m sure the interior will be nice and functional.  Safe with a little twist, in my opinion.  I’m just waiting for Houston to commission a “take your breath away” piece of architecture that makes people worldwide go, “Whoa!”  I think we missed an opportunity to really advertise Houston’s impressive cultural establishment to the world.   I’d submit places like Bilbao, Denver, Mexico City, Antwerp, Valencia, Hanoi, Paris, Alberta, Minneapolis have seized their opportunity more effectively.

I think people forget that the centerpiece of the MFAH is the Mies Van der Rohe building and anything built around it needs to converse with it and be harmonious. Almost all the buildings you posted are the center pieces of new urban renewal districts or major real estate projects. I personally think the museum should have opened a concept like PS1 by Moma/Tate Modern in a part of the city that needs revitalization or an attraction. Something iconic on the bayou or east end. I think the museum's main campus is already so large and over whelming it would have been nice to have two sites. 

[DarklyMoron 221]

I expect that we may see some compare/contrast discussion between the MFAH’s new building and the planned LA County Museum. LA will have that ‘wow’ factor you’re craving, but I expect most critics will see the MFAH’s building as more successful. Bilbao, the Guggenheim in NY, and LA County are examples of eye-catching architecture that are very compromised as museums, where the architecture has supremacy over the art it’s supposed to display. Our own Menil is one of the more revered museum buildings in the country, not because it’s showy, but because of it’s sublime galleries. That said, I agree that Houston is lacking in the iconic landmark category.

[clutchcity94 385]

45 minutes ago, DarklyMoron said:

That said, I agree that Houston is lacking in the iconic landmark category.

That’s what Transco Tower is for! 😁

[hindesky 46812]

Secret door to replace the lights.

[Houston19514 4658]

On 9/25/2020 at 7:27 PM, Sunstar said:

agreed, the building will appear very blocky and imposing from street level. Wish they could have brought some of those sweeping design elements down into the facade a bit.

 

Perhaps blocky, but it really doesn't seem imposing at all from street level.  It looks quite large from above, but doesn't seem that large from the street/sidewalk. 

By the way, yes, the lights behind the glad tubes are on (at least they are this evening).

[rgarza 406]

The effect is somewhat diminished by the sunrise, but this is what it looks like lit up...

[kennyc05 303]

I think they should light the whole building up 😐

[ErickEdgar 224]

[mls1202 432]

Wow, that is a LOT brighter than I expected!

[DarklyMoron 221]

If MFAH is looking for input, I vote for the fully backlit lighting rather than the 'window' lighting. 

[Stone 257]

Testing the lighting again last night:

 

[gene 3058]

super cool! love it!

[hindesky 46812]

[Houston19514 4658]

Another nice article about the Kinder building.

[hindesky 46812]

[MidCenturyMoldy 621]

Found this video on youtube which really gives an idea of the size and complexity of this project. 

 

[rgarza 406]

Just a couple of shots of art that has already been installed and the entrance gardens starting to come together.

[MidCenturyMoldy 621]

6 minutes ago, rgarza said:

Just a couple of shots of art that has already been installed and the entrance gardens starting to come together.

I am soooo excited about the opening of this building and yet I have no idea how long it will be before I actually get to see it in person. 😩

[monarch 3797]

^^^ @MidCenturyMoldy props for the wonderful/compelling video that you supplied.  the overall construction process of this burgeoning and truly important edifice... is simply AWE INSPIRING/STUNNING.

[clutchcity94 385]

They started construction on this back in 2015?!?