The Museum of Art and Design held its reception for architects and designers last Friday, and while the tchotke-lined galleries were packed with fancypants and fancy glasses, AN did not spot too many boldfaces–perhaps everyone was home warming up their popcorn for the debate. We did see Barry Bergdoll, Matilda McQuade, and Karen Stein and even asked a few people what they thought of Brad Cloepfil‘s resplendent new digs.
Raj Patel, a designer at ARUP who worked on the museum, said it was good the team could get together and enjoy the space it worked so hard on. “A lot of people have spent a lot of time and worked a lot on the process of making this happen,” Patel said. “Now it’s time to celebrate.” And his favorite part of the museum? “Obviously, the building is best at day, but the light is just amazing no matter what.”
Suzanne Stephens, the deputy editor at Record, wasn’t so sure. “Everyone’s talking about the debate,” she said, “but when they aren’t, it’s the lighting strategy. It’s either got to be party lighting or museum lighting. You can’t have both.” She did agree with Patel on one point, though. “I’ll have to decide during the day.”
Cloepfil spent most of the night holding court near the door. Asked about the economy, which, after the debate and the lighting, seemed to be on everyone’s mind, the Portland-based designer took a jab at himself. “Do we need museums that cost $1,200 per square-foot?” he asked, gesturing around the lobby. “I’m not sure we do. I don’t think there’s any wrong with that, but it’s not sustainable for now. We just have to adapt, cut back. Cut the fat. It’ll be good, cleansing.” Here’s to slimmer architecture.
