Sailboats at Lake Michigan

I've been excited today about the Art Museum in Milwaukee WI that sits on a site along Lake Michigan. I have visited there more than once, and it has such a special look to it, and is truly unique. It's on my mind because, although it is considered a piece of post-modern architecture, I found it seemed to parallel images in Precisionist Art from the 1920's. That's been the emphasis in classes I've been teaching through the week. We have examined old photos of sailboats that are cropped images of the subjects, making them seem quite abstract. This museum embedded in my visual memory came to mind as a good example of using design to abstractly echo elements in reality...with a twist. I'm posting some pictures of the place below, along with a link to take you to more complete information. It will give you some keys as to how the architect  might arrive at his better than average design.

http://mam.org/info/details/quadracci.ph

In 1994, the Museum’s search committee convinced Santiago Calatrava to submit a proposal and was wowed by his creative design. Calatrava, inspired by the “dramatic, original building by Eero Saarinen, …the topography of the city” and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture, initially proposed a small addition, with a pedestrian bridge connecting the Museum to downtown. As excitement over the project grew, fundraising accelerated and the project evolved, with the architect and Museum trustees sharing ideas.

As you read more about it, you will become acquainted with its "wings" that open and close during the day at scheduled times, or when response to winds, closing so the museum will not actually "fly". It's intriguing, and beautiful, reminiscent in its form of sailboats...which is exactly what wIn 1994, the Museum’s search committee convinced Santiago Calatrava to submit a proposal and was wowed by his creative design. Calatrava, inspired by the “dramatic, original building by Eero Saarinen, …the topography of the city” and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture, initially proposed a small addition, with a pedestrian bridge connecting the Museum to downtown. As excitement over the project grew, fundraising accelerated and the project evolved, with the architect and Museum trustees sharing ideas.

e were doing today, abstracting images inspired by sailboats.