DENVER ART MUSEUM

Denver, CO

Designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, this titanium-clad building is a play of sculptural fantasy. I was attracted to the building’s extreme shape, almost like a crystalline formation. This is a good example of Libeskind’s work, which typically includes a vocabulary of jagged edges, sharp angles and random geometries. As I studied this 146,000 sq ft, 4-story building, I wondered how it functioned as a museum. With all of the odd shapes, how do you display the art? Nineteenth century architect Louis Sullivan coined a phrase, Form follows Function, meaning the outward aesthetics of a building should derive from its intended use. The angular design of the Hamilton building juts in many directions, supported by a 2,740-ton structure that contains more than 3,100 pieces of steel. The angled element to the right of this sketch extends 167 feet over and 100 feet above West 13th Avenue below. None of the 20 planes is parallel or perpendicular to another. In this case, Function follows Form.

Was in town for the Colorado Star Ball dance competition. Did OK in rhythm at this one, but was victim to a few better dancers in smooth. Back to the boards (or hardwoods in this case).