Innovative Architecture

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSPECTIVE

As intriguing and exciting as they are, the innovative buildings designed by modern architectural pioneers are a big challenge for a photographer. In order to understand how to photograph such a building, the photographer must first investigate history of the building as well as the evolution of the architect’s design process.

Created by architects who pushed the established order of the modernist movement to lay the groundwork for today’s architectural innovators, the mysteries held by these historic buildings continue to invite exploration and introspection, providing inspiration for those who strive to create new forms of expression through bold experiences of expanding space and the utilization of cutting-edge materials and technologies.

I’m continually fascinated by these historic buildings, as well as the creative process and spirit of the architectural modern pioneers who created them, like John M Johansen, whose outrageous Mummers Theater is shown above.

GREAT ARCHITECTURE

only gets better with time. So it is with the Mummers Theater, now called Stage Center Theater, in Oklahoma City, OK.

Alive and well, this great building (above and right) demands to be utilized to its fullest potential. In April 2008 a party was held at the Mummers (Stage Center) Theater in Oklahoma City. The building’s architect, 92 year-old John M Johansen, flew from New York to Oklahoma City by himself to participate in the event, which was attended by over 1000 arts and architecture enthusiasts. Intrinsically modern, the Mummers Theater - perceived as a radical departure from the mainstream of modern architecture in its day - was designed by John M. Johansen FAIA in the late 1960s. Evolving from an analysis of the

multi-use programs of the Oklahoma City Mummers Theatre Company, the complex requirements of a city in search of a new creative identity, and the ever-present grain elevators found throughout Oklahoma’s dry, wind-swept lands, the Theater stands today as a modern marvel of innovation and endurance. It is a true work of art, a bold statement of integrity of purpose and design, and an inspirational force of creativity that continues to serve the community in new and experimental ways.

It is fitting that the Oklahoma Arts Council is the present-day owner and caretaker of this unique architectural entity. It is certainly worth a special visit to Oklahoma to enjoy the many events that take place in this one-of-a-kind vitally-alive, built environment.

SPIRIT OF INNOVATION

An educational film-in-production, SPIRIT OF INNOVATION is about the creative process of American Architectural icon John M Johansen, FAIA, whose innate sense of ecology and innovative design process is expressed in his controversial architecture of the past and his predictions for the future,

A dynamic, thought-provoking educator, Johansen inspires viewers to consider the significance of history in architecture as well as those architects who risked their careers to create original architecture. Widely known for his controversial designs and use of the latest building materials and technologies, Johansen rocked the established order in architecture by solving essential design challenges with ingenuity and integrity. Unlike most architects who develop a style and then repeat themselves, Johansen approaches each design challenge with openness, an opportunity to explore the uniqueness of a building's potential.

Johansen's inquiring mind and passion for knowledge about emerging technologies in the fields of philosophy, cosmology, physics, morphology, electromagnetics, and the nanosciences, has led him to the development of futuristic designs based upon the application of nanotechnology in architecture.

A poetic expression of his ecology, Johansen is “convinced” that nanoarchitecture will be used to create the buildings of the future - structures that will function in symbiotic relationship to their environment, adapting to the growing needs of the inhabitants. Ever conscientious, Johansen also speaks about the critical need for international cooperation in the ethical use of emerging technologies.

SPIRIT OF INNOVATION incorporates a narration drawn from two of Johansen's books, "A Continuum of Modern Architecture" and "NANOARCHITECTURE” with architectural-style filmed explorations of several of his buildings, music Johansen composed and recorded, and rare interviews and scenes of Johansen in the Mummer's Theater (now the Stage Center Theater) in Oklahoma City. In April 2008, 92 year-old Johansen attended a grand party in the theater which was attended by 1000 arts and architectural supporters. Inspiring and provocative footage of that memorable event and of Johansen's lively and provocative lecture to university architecture students in the theater is also included.

INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE past and future