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| Watching the fog and clouds overtake the museum at the end of the day. Photo ©Darren Bradley |
But I did at least have a camera with me this time, so was able to get a few quick shots in (hand held, no tripod), while following my wife around the museum.
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| Photo ©Darren Bradley |
We first visited this museum shortly after it opened. The California Academy of Sciences across the plaza wasn't built yet. My daughter is quite a bit taller these days, too.
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| Photo ©Darren Bradley |
At the risk of having my official Modern Architecture Fan Club card revoked (or ever working for Herzog + de Meuron - I'd love to shoot for you, guys, really! - call me!), I have to confess that I've always had mixed feelings about this place. It's not so much delicately placed in the surrounding environment as really dropped on top of it. There's a violence to it, and a sense of foreboding about it as you approach.
Despite the intent that the copper cladding would eventually patina (it hasn't yet...), and that the green color would give it a softer appearance that would represent the trees around it, it still comes across as an imposition so far. At least to me.
But I do think that the space works well. The exhibition spaces are well designed and flow well. And the collection, itself, is beautiful. I especially love the Pacific Islands section, with the masks, tikis, etc.
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| Photo ©Darren Bradley |
And the design is thought provoking and innovative. Plus, that tower is really, really cool.
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| Photo ©Darren Bradley |
Also, I come back here almost every time I'm back in town. It's like a pilgrimage. So overall, I'd say it's a successful design and I do wish there was more innovative and thought-provoking architecture at this scale on the west coast.
And hopefully, I'll even get a chance to photograph it.
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| Photo ©Darren Bradley |
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