99% Invisible Audio Guide to the Imperfections of a Perfect Masterpiece
Oct 23, 2019
Ashley Mendelson, assistant curator of architecture and digital initiatives at the Guggenheim Museum, shares insights about Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius. She highlights the museum's spiral design and how it evolves the visitor experience from top-down to bottom-up. The conversation dives into the building’s quirks, construction challenges, and inventive solutions for art installations. Listeners are invited to explore hidden spaces, revealing the playful dynamics of public and private within Wright's iconic design.
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Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up
- Frank Lloyd Wright intended the Guggenheim to be experienced top-down, but curators now program exhibits bottom-up.
- Many visitors walk both up and down, so exhibits are designed to be viewed in both directions.
The Quick Ramp
- Wright designed a steep "quick ramp" for faster floor access, but it was too steep and never built.
- This influenced the design, causing the bump-out and non-circular rotunda hole.
Gunite Construction
- The Guggenheim was built with gunite, a sprayed concrete, and the plywood mold lines are visible.
- This unintentional pattern reflects Wright's principles of architectural honesty.