Space+Technology+Place

Space + Technology + Place
Location: Ewing Gallery

This exhibit was a presentation of the works of University of Tennessee architecture professors. I am no expert in architecture, although I do find it somewhat interesting to learn about. I didn't really know what to expect out of this exhibit, and I was not left disappointed.



The layout of the exhibit was well done. I really like the Ewing Gallery, and I think it is an excellent space for shows. Part of the reason that it is such a good exhibition space is because of its high ceilings. This really gives the entire space a very open feel. Thus, the items displayed within any exhibit at the Ewing never feel crowded together, and the spacing never makes one feel claustrophobic. This was true with the design of the architecture show too. The items on the walls were placed at good heights and were not too close together. The items that were free-standing in the middle of the exhibit were placed with enough space between them to allow easy traffic flow. The dark gray walls were also an excellent color choice which provided a nice contrast to the white walls.



The works in the exhibit also surprised me. I generally think of architecture as boring blue prints and cute little models of buildings. Granted, some of those things were on display within the exhibit. But some professors chose to display work which approached architecture in a much more artistic manner. For example, the picture above shows an architectural creation, yet if no one told me that it had to do with architecture, I would have thought it was just a wonderful piece of fine art. This show forced me to step outside of my stereotypes about architecture.



Another series of works that made me look differently at architecture was those by Tricia Stuth. Her photographs were of architectural elements, yet that was not my first thought when I looked at them. Her photographs clearly evoke emotions within the viewer and cannot be viewed in a completely unemotional manner. The photographs could easily be displayed in a fine art setting and no one would question their artistic merit. For the first time, I saw architecture as more than just a career but as a fine art.

The Space + Technology + Place show was one that changed my entire view of architecture. Today I realized that architects are artists too.