When Stephen Kanner co-founded the non-profit A+D Architecture and Design Museum, he wanted to illuminate the ways in which progressive architecture is an integral part of our lives.
In a conversation with the L.A. Times, Kanner spoke of his desire for the A+D to be a tangible experience: “It’s not a museum with a capital M; it’s more grass roots, more humble,” he remarked. The aim was to “not just be about models and sketches”, but “about taking people through the process.”
The A+D Museum opened in 2001 at the historic Bradbury building in Downtown Los Angeles. From day one, the museum has grown into a tribute to the living, breathing work of architecture and design; and to the prominent role designers and artists play in shaping the city of Los Angeles. While Stephen Kanner passed away in 2010, the museum remains a vital part of the conversation of the architecture and design community–a testimony to his vision.
Stephen Kanner in 2005. Photo by Dominique Vorillon via LA Times blog
From its first home in the Bradbury building, the A+D moved a couple of times before settling in its present location along Museum Row in Miracle Mile. To make way for the Fairfax station of the new Metro Purple Line, the museum is getting ready to move back to downtown and has signed a two-year lease on an expansive 8,000 square foot one story brick building at 900 East 4th St.; in the hub of the Arts district.
Gensler Architects along with RTKL are designing the renovation of A+D’s new home. The homecoming is sweet. From the Bradbury to the bygone glamour of Miracle Mile and back again, the A+D finds itself coming home to a changed and changing downtown: one ready to soak up the museum’s popular programs which include ARkidECTURE: introducing children in a hands on way to architecture; Urban Hikes: walking tours of architectural gems in oft-forgotten corners of the city; conversations with industry titans, collaborations and book signings.
Museum Executive Director Tibbie Dunbar tells Downtown News: “We are really looking forward to being in the Arts District. It is a beautiful building and the proximity to Sci-Arc-tomorrow’s architects-is great.”
Peter Shire: Public Works, Lines of Desire. Now though January 31st.
The museum plans to use 6,000 square feet and has hopes of securing a bookstore or cafe to lease out the remaining space. Working with the bones of the building, the graffiti on the exposed brick walls and its bow and truss ceiling will remain as part of the new design.
A+D Advisory Board Member Danielle Cornwell tells us the A+D “Has plans to host a special event Downtown prior to opening this Summer celebrating the move back home.”
Undoubtedly it will be a celebration of not only the new location, but of the positive impact good design has on our lives. Stephen Kanner is smiling.
A+D Architecture and Design Museum is slated to open at its new space at 900 East 4th St. Summer 2015. For the latest information visit aplusd.org
For information on A+D’s popular programs:
