Vanessa German "Objectification"

Vanessa opens a new show this week at Gallerie Chiz.

Gritty Brits: New London Architecture @ CMOA

In general architecture exhibitions are tough. Perhaps designed for architects, the material doesn't always "grab" immediately. And otherwise interesting design comes across dull. This show is no exception.

On view at Carnegie Museum of Art, Heinz Architectural Center (Pittsburgh) http://www.cmoa.org/exhibitions/exhibit.asp#void

Though it included one of my favorite architects, David Adjaye, "Gritty" lacks energy the meaty title suggests. The photographic images seemed dull, and the placement of the models dont' make sense. It felt difficult to orient oneself, -- i overheard one visitor lament, "i can't tell what i'm looking at." everyone seemed genuinely puzzled.

The installation includes two models, I think, a text panel and a film. The film is very interesting virtual tour of his "Dirty House" work and the "Idea Store Whitechapel." Yet, we don't really get a sense of Adjaye's process -- the way his projects seamlessly enter the context within which they exist (neighborhood/streets/culture).

i paid most attention to Adjaye; but there's other interesting work in the show including the urban planning work from Muf Architects.

Overall, not a winner; definitely not the excitement of the Zaha Hadid's Guggenheim show last summer. But if you're into architecture and design, and happen to be in Pittsburgh, its worth checking it out.