Kimbell Art Museum Essay

Decades after World War One, a new building style emerged and continues to affect architecture to this day. Modernism is less concern about ornaments and holds at a higher priority the purpose and structure of a building. One superb example is The Kimbell Art Museum located in Fort Worth, Texas. This Museum continues to hold prestige in the public eye. Kahn was able to successfully use natural light and material that emphasize his architecture, while not over shadowing the art work displayed. These are few reasons of why The Kimbell Art Museum is an ideal museum that has only contributed to the modern age. This work of art is what many buildings and museums have always longed to be.

The language of architecture can be profound and rigorous,

One doesn’t take into consideration the way light affects a work of art. Through the use of natural light any painting at The Kimbell will not look identical to when previously seen. This is not because the art is distorted, but because the weather, especially in Texas, is always changing. The time and season greatly affect how the art will look. If the outside is dim with clouds then the art will hold stronger contrast oppose to when the sun is standing directly above The Kimbell. This can only happen through the gull-wing shaped reflectors that seem to flout right above one. That recognizable feature is what could make the natural light consume the area without imposing. Additionally, Kahn was one of the first architects to put into place the cycloidal vault. Since an arch cannot hold its self without a structural support, Kahn used the cycloidal vault. The vaults shape can hold itself on the columns. This is another ingenious factor that adds to The Kimbell. Other characteristics can be seen through the precise detail he had on all the materials. For example the concrete, which is often thought of as cold hard grey material. Kahn managed to bring it life. At the right lighting concrete gives off a shimmery appearance. To add to that concrete, has a simple form of natural material that gives off a sleek, sophisticated look, similarly to Kahn’s modernistic style. Witch can also be seen through his many works, such as The Phillips Exeter Academy Library. Kahn’s idea of natural light and refined modern style has advanced architecture. For example, The Kimbell Art Museum has influenced many museums including the expansion of The Kimbell. The Piano Pavilion designed by Renzo Piano had the intricate challenge of building an expansion that would not compete but complement The Kimbell Art Museum. In his design he incorporated the elements of natural light and