Event 1: "The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio" - Hammer Museum

Upon learning about C.P. Snow’s “Two Cultures” concept, and hearing about the architecture exhibit at the Hammer Museum, I thought about how perfect it would be for an event blog (especially since it relates to our Unit 1 coursework in the class regarding art + science).

Dictionary.com defines architecture as:

                                                                         

“The art and science of designing and superintending the erection of buildings and similar structures.”

WOW! Already we see that architecture is an example that harmoniously brings together the intellectual and the technical as a method of creation.

MY EXPERIENCE:

As soon as I enter the exhibit, the intricate models showcasing the art and designs of Thomas Heatherwick overwhelm me. I see various materials being used such as glass, woodwork, foil, and even pens to model an existing structure around the world that serves a larger purpose.  I immediately notice what makes Heatherwick’s designs so special.

“At the heart of the studio’s work, is a profound commitment to finding innovative design solutions, with a dedication to artistic thinking”

Heatherwick and his team are extremely collaborative bringing together engineers, artists and problem solvers. This makes me reflect back on the theory of the “Third Culture!”

My experience at this event definitely helped me to better understand Unit 1, and it can be quickly grasped by further studying a specific piece in the gallery.

The Olympic Cauldron, London 2012:

[Image 1: Cauldron at the London Olympics 2012]

[Image 2: Olympic Cauldron Text in Exhibit]

Currently, I am taking Life Science 15 to fulfill a life science requirement and I am learning about how scientists solve problems by utilizing the “scientific method.” Similarly to a scientist who creates hypothesis to solve an issue, Heatherwick and his team begin by tackling a question and using art and designs to solve it.

The question posed to Heatherwick and his team reads:

“How can every country in the Olympic Games take part in making and lighting the Olympic cauldron?”

Pretty interesting right?!

Here is a link to a video that way you can see how the cauldron works! It is a lengthy 10 min video but it is worth the watch!

[Video 1: Olympic Cauldron is lit for London 2012]

Overall, I highly encourage you to attend the event. Heatherwick’s art truly embodies our Unit 1 concepts and it is at the HAMMER Museum in Westwood. Super convenient and admission is FREE!

[Image 3: Heatherwick's Spun Chair]

[Image 4: DESMA 9 Buddy (left), Me (middle) and Hammer Staff (right)]

WORKS CITED:

"Architecture." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

"Heatherwick Studio." About. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

"Olympic Cauldron Is Lit for London 2012." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

"Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio - Hammer Museum." The Hammer Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Snow, Charles Percy. “The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.“ The Rede Lecture. Cambridge University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lecture.