Jennifer Luce, FAIA has led LUCE et studio architects for over 35 years. The studio has always been passionate about collaboration, especially with artists in cross disciplinary fields. Mingei International Museum’s transformation, completed in 2021, is a testament to how a strong architectural narrative combined with the infusion of art can encourage growth, change and philosophical expression. Mingei’s mission of presenting works of craft, design and folkart has been inspiration for the studio’s interpretation of what Mingei means to architecture.
While working on the expansion of the museum, it initially started as a project to replace the floor and build storage. That’s it. As the team traveled and researched across the country, the scope evolved in response to what they were learning. “I didn’t draw anything for a year, it was about analysis and thinking,” she explained. “I don’t have to come to answer right away.” It was about having lots of conversations before coming up with a solution.” Jennifer met individually with every staff member, gathering their hopes and frustrations. One theme surfaced again and again: “make the museum functional and open it to the community.” The moves that followed added 7 entrances, reinvigoration of a loading dock, an expansion and reinvigoration that opened up the possibilities of what this museum could be.
The evening underscored why Luce remains an influential voice in contemporary architecture: her ability to pair disciplined craft with expansive thinking.
