Lloyd Russell's abacus of architectural models

The Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla is showcasing the work of nine San Diego architects and designers. Mix: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers features seven project rooms, each featuring the work of a different firm.

It’s fascinating to walk through the show. We usually view architecture as a participant in the physical building. Here, you’re experiencing it from the architect’s point of view. Materials, models, renderings and photos give you a glimpse into the mind of the designer. 

The architects include: estudio teddy cruz, Luce et Studio Architects (Jennifer Luce), Sebastián Mariscal Studio, Public (James Gates and James Brown), Rinehart Herbst (Todd Rinehart and Catherine Herbst), Lloyd Russell, and Jonathan Segal FAIA.

Several of the architects incorporated sound and video into their exhibits. As you walk up to each of Lloyd Russell’s models, a different sound track plays, providing a sense of place. His R3 building is directly in the flight path for Lindbergh Field airport as the airplane recordings remind you.

Sebastian Mariscal walks you through a tunnel of lumber. Jennifer Luce’s exhibit almost feels like an archaeological find. Each presentation challenges your view in a different way.

We went to the show opening and it was packed! So exciting to see such a great turnout to view an architecture show.  The show is on through September 22nd.