Viewing The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio

I like to think of myself as up to date on the latest museum shows. Noir exhibit at the Skirball? Saw it. Hollywood Costume? Yup. Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio? Wait…what now?

When I received an email advising of the opening of the new exhibit Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio at the Hammer I was pleasantly surprised to learn of it. Now, I know I’m a huge fan of historic architecture but I like the new school, too. Ok. Maybe not all of it. But, I do like Heatherwick Studio.

Recently, they collaborated with Bombay Sapphire Gin to design their distillery in the UK. Housed in a former paper mill it’s a fascinating mash-up of tradition and innovation. I cannot wait to visit it one day. Until then, I must content myself with the exhibit at the Hammer.

Filled with models, images and artifacts it’s a comprehensive look at this unique design firm. The exhibit fills just one gallery but every piece is so interesting that I spent about an hour looking at everything. That’s a new record for me!

Remember the London Olympics? Well, here are the torches designed by the studio. One is polished and one is tarnished from the Olympic Flame.

This is a model of an actual newsstand that exists in the UK. It’s functional yet artistic. Imagine if these were located in Downtown LA. How awesome would that be?