shasta 337 Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 (edited) 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 1 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post rgarza 406 Posted September 9, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 9, 2020 9 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mls1202 432 Posted September 10, 2020 Share Posted September 10, 2020 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... 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gene 3058 Posted September 10, 2020 Share Posted September 10, 2020 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... 1 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Specwriter 402 Posted September 10, 2020 Share Posted September 10, 2020 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"? 4 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post hindesky 46812 Posted September 13, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 13, 2020 15 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post DarklyMoron 221 Posted September 15, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2020 (edited) 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. 14 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jmitch94 2033 Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 (edited) 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 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 15, 2020 Share Posted September 15, 2020 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. 8 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mls1202 432 Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 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. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 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. 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post H-Town Man 5008 Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 It's like Georgia O'Keefe designed an ice chest. 1 9 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MidCenturyMoldy 621 Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Does anyone have any nighttime photos? I wanna see the glow! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4658 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Interesting article in The Architect's Newspaper: Dazzling Glaze: Steven Holl Architects tames the harsh Houston glare with clever massing and opaque tubular glass 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clutchcity94 385 Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cloud713 4038 Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 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? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post MidCenturyMoldy 621 Posted September 23, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 23, 2020 (edited) 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 15 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 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! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 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. 3 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mls1202 432 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 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? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarklyMoron 221 Posted September 24, 2020 Share Posted September 24, 2020 (edited) 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 4 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post MidCenturyMoldy 621 Posted September 24, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 24, 2020 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. 9 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarathonMan 1159 Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 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. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 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! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sunstar 608 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 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. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarklyMoron 221 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 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. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sunstar 608 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 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. 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pablog 311 Posted September 26, 2020 Share Posted September 26, 2020 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 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarathonMan 1159 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 (edited) 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 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pablog 311 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 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! 4 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iah77 295 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 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. 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarklyMoron 221 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 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. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clutchcity94 385 Posted September 27, 2020 Share Posted September 27, 2020 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! 😁 1 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post hindesky 46812 Posted September 27, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 27, 2020 Secret door to replace the lights. 13 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4658 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 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). 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rgarza 406 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 The effect is somewhat diminished by the sunrise, but this is what it looks like lit up... 7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kennyc05 303 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 I think they should light the whole building up 😐 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post ErickEdgar 224 Posted September 30, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 30, 2020 21 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mls1202 432 Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 Wow, that is a LOT brighter than I expected! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DarklyMoron 221 Posted October 1, 2020 Share Posted October 1, 2020 If MFAH is looking for input, I vote for the fully backlit lighting rather than the 'window' lighting. 9 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Stone 257 Posted October 7, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 7, 2020 Testing the lighting again last night: 23 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gene 3058 Posted October 7, 2020 Share Posted October 7, 2020 super cool! love it! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post hindesky 46812 Posted October 10, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 10, 2020 19 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Houston19514 4658 Posted October 12, 2020 Share Posted October 12, 2020 Another nice article about the Kinder building. 8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post hindesky 46812 Posted October 17, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 17, 2020 13 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post MidCenturyMoldy 621 Posted October 18, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 18, 2020 Found this video on youtube which really gives an idea of the size and complexity of this project. 10 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post rgarza 406 Posted October 18, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 18, 2020 Just a couple of shots of art that has already been installed and the entrance gardens starting to come together. 17 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MidCenturyMoldy 621 Posted October 18, 2020 Share Posted October 18, 2020 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. 😩 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
monarch 3797 Posted October 19, 2020 Share Posted October 19, 2020 ^^^ @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. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
clutchcity94 385 Posted October 19, 2020 Share Posted October 19, 2020 They started construction on this back in 2015?!? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.