Great exterior photo from the upstairs patio of Loma Linda (food was okay, but great reprieve from the afternoon heat and a very very long day prior- and of course this view). I love the contrast of the new construction in the background against the cleanly finished sweeping organic silouette of the Soumaya. I do not think I have ever been to a place this sculptural before. Can a building be that compelling on the inside with no windows from the outside?
The building seems really small from the outside, but it actually feels quite enormous on the inside. Somehow the architects have carried that sweeping silhouette into the massive entrance lobby area. The replica of David helped to emphasize a larger than life feeling. Also, a modern take on the grand entrance staircase, the v shape plays into the perspective leading the eye up into the space- also helping to pull the visitor up into the next exhibit areas.
What I love most about this building is the navigation through the spaces. No stairs (except for the grand staircase), all floors designed with ramps as the key experience- a perfectly accessible design like the Guggenheim in New York. Round and round, and round and round again- I could not believe how many floors there were as the building did not convey just how room there would be on the inside from the outside. I kept asking myself “how many more floors are there?”- astounded- as I was really chasing after the top floor of this building. I knew there was something at the top of it all (felt like I was summiting a mountain).
Reaching the top is no disappointment. The romantic nature of the largely scultural work from Rodin and others added dramaticism to the space.
I mention above the question about a building with no windows, but in fact there is one source of external light. The skylight at the top of the building- perhaps a revelation from the universe above. Whatever struggles, or plight, or joy, or beauty- it all washes away in the light of a day that is inevitable to come. What kind of contemplation do we reach at the peak?
Ultimately it was this painting below that I carried with me from this visit. What I wrote on that day follows. (A note of appreciation here for the way they hung these art works- unique and effective.)
How much can you really change the path you are on? Not like what I’m going to eat today or even should I take this job. Something more fundamental than that.
Today I thought about how I’m really just along for the ride and I’ll do the best that I can with what I’ve been given. And express gratitude and evidently contentment.
I hope to make it through.
Address: Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Website: ArchDaily write up
ofallthespaces 