moshe safdie: kauffman center for the performing arts nearing completion
designboom DESIGN-AEROBICS competitions interviews art architecture design technology shop

moshe safdie: kauffman center for the performing arts nearing completion


'the kauffman center for the performing arts' by moshe safdie, kansas city, missouri
image © david riffel


the kauffman center for the performing arts by moshe safdie and associates is nearing completion.
set to open on september 16, 2011 in kansas city, missouri, the structure represents a new approach to cultural life,
marking for the first time a project of this scale and program in the city. acting as a catalyst for social, educational
and economic vitality, the 285,000 square-foot center aims to advance the role of arts within the community while
encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and cross fertilization of audiences.



lobby
image © david riffel


as designboom previously reported, the facility will include two stand-alone halls - the 1,800-seat muriel kauffman theater
and the 1,600-seat helzberg hall - housed within arched glass and steel volumes enclosed by a glass facade that will provide
sweeping views of the city. once operational, the center will be one of the most technically and architecturally advanced
facilities of its kind in the nation.



aerial view
image courtesy of moshe safdie



site
image © david riffel

jayme db
05.18.11  
9
It's unfortunate Safdie rarely comes up with something original. In this case, the inspiration might have come from HeatherwicksEast Beach Cafe
adl architetto   05.18.11
maybe more inspired by Richard Meier's church outside Rome.

http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/jubilee-church-rome-2.jpg
faf   05.18.11
How ugly and excessive architecture can be!
Fortunate that this is not unique.
antonio mota   05.18.11
Kansas City is more than likely the home of more mediocre buildings designed by (some what) famous architects than any other metropolitan area in the USA.
This behemouth is the current feather in the hat of those with money and no taste...

Just as an FYI - This project is actually quite a bit further along than these images depict. The Helzburg Hall (which is nicer inside than one might expect for a Sofdie designed building) was turned over to the owner earlier this month and is being utilized by the KC Orchestra for practice and tuning.
urban green   05.18.11
adl architetto -
I don't beleive the Heatherwicks EAst Beach Cafe was the starting point for this project (as they would have been designed at the same time). Though I can't argue with your critique of Safdie's lack of design talent and originality!

My guess is something like this was more the starting point for insperation ~ http://citymama.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/09/eggslicer.jpeg
vw   05.18.11
Surrounded by the usual rectangular structures, the curvature of this building has eye-appeal to me and hopefully has the same for the folks of Kansas City d;-)
Jetwax   05.19.11
i think it looks very similar, possibly a more aggressive version of the Glasgow SECC in Scotland http://www.secc.co.uk/
lionart   05.19.11
I think the design is rather unfortunate in a number of ways, however, this juvenile fascination with implying that it was inspired by various other designs is meaningless. This building was designed approx a decade ago and clearly has no relation to the projects mentioned.
chris   05.23.11
you guys are all just a bunch of doubting Thomass' and green eyed monsters. Please send in some of your own projects so we may all equally criticise. Oh that's right none of you have designed anything worthy of any mention or of any significance....
damm bloggers   05.25.11
moshe safdie (14 articles)

moshe safdie: crystal bridges museum
architecture | 03.29.12

nestled within the forested scenery of the ozark landscape, this art complex is formed by bridging a stream, creating a fusion of art and nature as visitors stroll through the glazed galleries.

4

safdie + marino: louis vuitton maison
architecture | 02.15.12

emerging from the water, this glass pavilion is surfaced with 20 foot long sunshades and UV coating to protect the luxury goods from the sun's strong rays.

4

moshe safdie: chongqing chaotianmen
architecture | 12.02.11

the mixed-use complex references the sails on a fleet of the traditional chinese boats which previously docked on the historically significant site. 

17

atelier du pont: tres honore restau
READER'S SUBMISSION

a space filled with elements of fantasy and make believe. it is a world of fairly tales and new experiences. a wonderland for y...

the camerette collection by florens
READER'S SUBMISSION a collection of wardrobes that represent the opportunities the future brings, and objects of desire that are key aspects of mainta...

deep ocean technology: underwa

architecture

the submerged resort is located up to 10m beneath the surface of the sea, is approximately 500m2 and consists of 21 rooms whic...

gTar digital guitar

technology

the digital guitar is designed as a solution for beginners to the instrument, constructed with the weight and feel of an entry-...

design time breil award ceremony
DESIGNBOOM COMPETITIONS the designs explore a variety of topics from comic memorabilia to pop culture. s

curved visions digital art competit
DESIGNBOOM COMPETITIONS designboom in collaboration with INFINITI is excited to announce the CURVED VISI

GRAPHIC DESIGN - may 17 - july 17
DESIGN - AEROBICS make graphic design work for you. with this course you’ll enhance your understanding of the basics and learn more about emerging developments within the field.

SHOPPING - may 17 - july 17
DESIGN - AEROBICS we'll look at the seamless way in which design and consumer culture cross paths, with a focus on; shop design, packaging, carts, carriers, online shopping and markets.
designboom news
348,826 subscribers

keep up to date with recent articles and upcoming events.
to receive both newsletters please check 2 boxes.

DAILY - see sample BIWEEKLY -see sample
© copyrights 2000 - 2012 designboom, all rights reserved. all material published remains the exclusive copyright of designboom.
no contents, including text, photographs, videos, etc. may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of designboom. in addition,
no material or contents may be reproduced on the world wide web by techniques of mirroring, framing, posting, etc. without the written consent of designboom.