The MoMA Art Experience
I went to the Museum of Modern Art in early October. MoMA is very open in its design. The corridor and the gallery are spacious and bright, providing a comfortable environment for people to visit. Such an environment makes it easier for people to have an immersive experience, to appreciate and be inspired by the work of art more intently. In addition, In addition, MOMA has a well-planned circulation design on each floor. It can guide me to enter from one side of the entrance, follow a prescribed path to view all the exhibits on that floor, and then exit from the other side of the floor. During my visit, I noticed that the artworks are typically arranged based on chronological order, artist, or thematic connections. In each gallery, what I explore is not just individual pieces of art but rather a cohesive presentation of an entire thematic collection.
In these galleries, my most interesting and favorite gallery is “Emerging Ecologies — Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism.” Architecture generates significant carbon emissions each year. According to the MoMA’s official website, “Emerging Ecologies” is the first major museum exhibition to investigate the relationship between American architecture and the environmental movement. It brings together a wide range of works spanning 60 years. This signifies the growing emphasis on environmental issues and sustainable design. The gallery features the works of 59 artists who express their connection to architecture and environmental concerns, as well as their visions for the future of architecture through various mediums, including photographs, models, videos, and sketches.
Among these works, what impresses me most is an architectural model. I didn’t capture the author’s name and the title of the piece when I visited the museum last month, but this model made a lasting impact on me. Unlike traditional buildings, the exterior walls of the building are covered with green plants. The building is not surrounded by wide roads and tall buildings but by a lush lawn with trees and a lake. This model aligns perfectly with my vision of the city of the future. Such biophile design can help us better recognize the positive impact of natural factors such as natural light, greening, and natural landscape on people’s health and productivity. Although it is difficult for many big cities to have such an environment at this stage, with the continuous rise of the world population and the increase of people’s demand for construction, such a building model is still possible to be adopted.
In conclusion, the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is what people have been hoping and willing to see. Architects, artists, and urban planners are showing us that they are working towards creating green cities and increasing people’s awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. Just as we are studying the issue of climate change in the design thinking course, people need a medium to understand environmental issues. Whether through art exhibitions or classes, as long as people can consciously understand and realize the connection between the environment and our survival, we have the potential to take a crucial step towards a more sustainable future.
