by Thomas Meyer, AIA
The Walker Art Center, the Guthrie Theater, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA), the Children's Th eatre Company (CTC), and the Minneapolis Public Library all have major building projects, designed by prominent out-of-town architects, currently under construction. How does a Minneapolis architect, whose firm would otherwise be a serious contender for these plum projects, feel about the most important cultural projects in his city going to "star" architects? It is, of course, always disappointing to be considered and not chosen. Th e practice of architecture is an emotional business. Local architects have proprietary feelings about the major institutions in their own community and feel a kinship with their mission of building and facilitating the cultural life of that community. That being
said, are there benefi ts to hiring a star?
Read this article in its entirety. (Page 71)
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota; Copyright Ateliers Jean Nouvel, 2004.
Thomas Meyer, AIA, is a principal of the Minneapolis-based firm Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. The firm was the Architect of Record for the Weisman Art Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and was a fi nalist for the Minneapolis Central Library and Children's Theatre Company projects.
