Event Two: The Getty - Architecture Tour

The Getty is a landmark for Los Angeles tourists, art enthusiasts, and Bruins. It houses various exhibits and is a perfect place to have a picnic, bring a date or simply enjoy the amazing view of the city.

[Image 1: Los Angeles view from The Getty]

Yet, we don’t realize the construction and art of The Getty itself and upon taking the Architecture tour, it is clear that the building is as much of a masterpiece as those that are on display inside of it.

MY EXPERIENCE:

As soon as the tour begins, we are informed that every material has been carefully calculated and thought out by architect Richard Meier.

I learned that the squares (tiles) that construct the walls are each 30 inches x 30 inches and the windows and tile floors are also multiples of 30.

[Image 2: Wall of tiles that are 30x30]

This immediately reminds me of both Unit 2 (Math + Art) and Unit 1 (Two Cultures).  The Getty’s build is an exceptional example showcasing math, art, and the collaboration between intellectuals, and engineers (to name a few).

Even a colorist was hired to ensure that the Getty met the standards and the regulations imposed by the city. 

+But...have you ever wondered why the Getty was white?

+Did you notice that the museum is actually two different shades of white?

[Image 3: Richard Meier White (foreground) & Getty White (Background)]

Richard Meier White – this bright white signals to people about “movement.” This color is on the stairs, on the elevator and on exits.

Getty White – this white was chosen to be a subtler eggshell tone to cover the walls facing Los Angeles. One key purpose was to have a white that would not blind or distract drivers on the 405.

Thus, the Getty is an architecture masterpiece. Artists and engineers were meticulous about senses of order such as lines, colors and shapes. Incorporating Unit 2, the Getty is a prime example of Math + Art. The walls are carefully measured and so were the windows, and even the trees are trimmed to be multiple of 30 (30 inches evokes a sense of comfort)!

Overall, I would recommend you to visit. It is a quick drive away and it is absolutely beautiful. Once you arrive, begin to take notice on how Math is being used to create meaning and add depth to a historic art piece.

[Image 4: Friends taking a picture with a Getty volunteer]

[Image 5: Visiting the garden at The Getty]

WORKS CITED:

"20 Great Things to Do in Los Angeles for Tourists." Time Out Los Angeles. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

"About the Museum (Getty Museum)." About the Museum (Getty Museum). N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

"Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2015.

Negrea, Sherrie. "Richard Meier Discusses His Use of White, and More Colorful Work, during AAP Visit." AAP Architecture Art Planning. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

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