Ralph Carlson Blog

A weekend conference gave me a brief opportunity to see the Milwaukee Art Museum by Santiago Calatrava.  I had seen photos of the brise soleil but had not studied the complete building or understood its purpose.  Locals seem proud of the structure and and explained to me how it opens and closes to shield the interior from direct sun.  The building is stunning, set against Lake Michigan.  Friday during my visit, the sky was grey and the building was difficult to photograph.  The brise soleil was open like seagulls landing.  As I left on Sunday with the sun shining the brise soleil was folded down against the skylights.  Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit and see the difference for the interior lighting but Friday , the grand lobby was glorious. [continue reading…]