■ Frank Oppenheimer THE EXPLORATORIUM
The Exploratorium science and arts museum was founded in the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco in 1969 by physicist and edu- cator Frank Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer believed that visitors would learn about science and tech- nology by manipulating laboratory apparatus, and the Exploratorium was one of the fi rst American museums
graduate degree at Yale University. My early mentors in New York were Alan Buchsbaum and Frederic Schwartz. Fred remains a trusted friend, confi - dant and collaborator.
How would you describe your philosophy when it comes to architecture? I believe in a powerful architecture that moves people beyond the build- ing itself. I’m drawn to how humans engage with architecture and make it their own, after the architect’s work is done. I believe in a timeless, elegant architecture that responds directly to specifi c needs that can easily adapt to changing times.
Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspirations come from my fas- cination with history and my love of popular culture, and what seems rel- evant to my time. Most of my projects have real clients with whom I work closely throughout the process. I get my inspiration from drawing out the
ISSUE 3 2013 © cybertrek 2013
to use hands-on, interactive exhibits. Oppenheimer served as the museum’s director until just before his death in 1985. Today it is led by science education and pol- icy expert Dr Dennis Bartels. The museum began to outgrow its home in the Palace of Fine Arts, and closed in January 2013, reopening in April 2013 in its new home at Pier 15
essence of their mission and project and developing ideas from that. I’m most proud when my design ideas come directly from the organisa- tions that commission me. I am moved when my clients take
ownership of something we’ve devel- oped jointly. I’m moved by craft, quality, developments in modeling and fabrica- tion technologies, lasting materials and most of all, the nuance of a design.
Who do you admire in architecture? I admire my mentors, who have believed in me. One of my heroes is Louis Kahn, whose buildings continue to inspire me 40 years after his death.
Where is your favourite place on earth?
In the passenger car compartment of a speeding train, glass of wine in hand, seeing the scenery pass by and hearing the locomotive’s whistle call to far away places. This could be in any country, at any time of year, and I will never tire of it.
on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The new building was designed by EHDD architects, and is triple the size of the museum’s old home. As well as the exhibition space, it features a res- taurant, café, a museum store and an event space called The Forum. It was designed to be energy effi -
cient, and features the city’s largest building-mounted photovoltaic array.
What do you love most about your job?
All of the fabulous people I have met over the years doing my work. I have a large staff of incredibly tal- ented and passionate individuals who have taught me a great deal over the years and helped me develop ideas and realise the work. I also love the variety in our projects and clients and how that has allowed me to travel to new places.
And the least?
The administrative duties of running a practice and needing to get the work that feeds the machine. I also hate deadlines, yet my life is ruled by them.
Is EHDD currently working on any other leisure projects? We’re involved in a project to house the decommissioned Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. We are also currently renovating the historic Toledo Zoo Aquarium in Ohio [due to reopen in 2015]. ●
Read Leisure Management online
leisuremanagement.co.uk/digital 33
■ Outside, changing exhibits interface with the water to interpret the Bay
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