JM: Having done this project, do you think you’d pursue another one like it? AM: We were drawn to this project because of the particularities: it was a very brave client who would be willing to experiment and try things that hadn’t been done before and they wanted to make a place that was unlike any other. I don’t know that we’re necessarily interested in redoing this project over and over again because I don’t think we could. This is a one of a kind place and experience for kids and families. But there are other types of projects that
Chuck Hoberman Chuck Hoberman is the founder of Hoberman Associates, a multidisciplinary practice that specializes in creating products and structures that have the capacity to change in shape, size and function. His vast and varied project portfolio includes everything from toys and medical equipment, to deployable shelters and retractable domes. On Oct. 10, Hoberman will speak about “Transformative Structures” at the 2007 Innovation Conference in NYC. Jenna M. McKnight: What will you speak about at the conference? Chuck Hoberman: I will focus primarily on my collaborative work with several architectural firms. This includes projects in Spain and the Middle
JM: You’re often described as a Pacific Northwest firm, but you’re doing stuff around the country, right? TK: There are four owners in the firm and all of us are doing more and more work around North America, both Canada and the United States. In fact, I had some people in the office take a map and note with red dots some of the projects I’m working on right now. It’s almost like a spiral that’s coming out of the center of Seattle and it’s reaching all the way to Alaska, reaching down to Texas, over to Spain, possibly something
BR: I’d like to name quickly a couple of projects and then maybe you could talk about your inspiration for them and what you think really sets them apart as architectural works: “The Ship” (1:00)? FS: Ah, yes. There’s no question that’s one of the many variations on what started as the leaf on the top of the Groninger Museum. And that was originally intended to go on top of a building that was and is built. It was supposed to be a rooftop addition. photograph: the Metropolitan Museum of Art/Anna Marie Kellen. Installation view of “Frank Stella on the