#jharitzacruz

[bac-connex]

The Met - A Global Client, Cultural Connections.

The Met is renowned worldwide not only for its art collections but also for its role as a hub of cultural exchange, attracting diverse visitors. Beyond the art, what makes The Met so captivating is the intentional curation of its surroundings. Spaces thoughtfully designed to resonate with visitors from all walks of life. This careful approach to spatial and experiential design ensures that the museum stays relevant, inviting, and inspiring.

As The Met evolves, it continually seeks innovative ways to engage with its audience. A great example of this forward-thinking approach is the "Sleeping Beauty" exhibition. Here, garments are not simply displayed as static objects; instead, the exhibition incorporates multimedia elements like soundscapes, videos, and interactive technology that deepen the visitor experience. These enhancements transform a simple viewing into an immersive journey, where technology allows for a more personal connection to the art and a richer understanding of the narratives behind it.

The integration of technology points to an exciting future for The Met, where exhibitions go beyond traditional formats to foster even deeper connections with visitors.

Imagine exhibitions where immersive experiences connect people to the art, making it accessible and engaging in new ways.

The Met's ongoing mission is clear: to bring people together, transcending boundaries through thoughtfully curated spaces and innovative storytelling. By embracing both history and modernity, The Met continues to evolve as a global client that not only showcases art but also creates meaningful cultural dialogues that resonate with all who visit.

[bac-connex]

Here Comes the Sun - A Joyful and Uplifting Friend! ☀️

I had the incredible fortune of visiting the MET alongside a great friend, Coco! This week, working and living with her was truly amazing and an experience I’ll cherish.

Coco is always a joy to have around, and working with her made me feel at ease. When I overthink or get caught up in a loop, Coco is always there to bring me back to the big picture, reassuring me that everything will be okay. Her positive energy is infectious, and she has a remarkable ability to turn complex situations into opportunities for learning and simply enjoying the moment.

Coco is not just a hard worker; she’s the kind of person who goes above and beyond, always ready to lend a hand or uplift her friends and the people around her.

She brings out the best in those around her. I truly admire her! Whether we were exploring the MET or simply spending a day in the city, her positivity and cheerfulness made every moment enjoyable.

This experience has strengthened our bond, and I know that great things are on the horizon for both of us. It would be an honor to continue sharing moments like this with you, Coco. Here’s to more adventures and positive memories together!

[bac-connex]

An Encouraging and Thoughtful Mentor - Karina Gilbert The MET

These past few days at the Met have been extraordinary, and much of that is thanks to the guidance of our mentor, Karina Gilbert. From the very beginning, her warm and approachable demeanor put me at ease. Karina embodies the essence of what a mentor should be—someone who not only shares knowledge but also fosters an environment where curiosity and personal growth are encouraged.

Karina has created a space where I feel confident expressing my thoughts and asking questions. Her ability to listen and provide thoughtful feedback makes every interaction meaningful. She has encouraged us to explore the Met with a sense of wonder, and her carefully curated, diverse schedule ensures that each day offers a new perspective. Even when our activities overlap, Karina’s approach turns familiar experiences into opportunities for deeper understanding.

A mentor should be adaptable, and Karina has shown this by ensuring that even when plans change, we still make the most of our time. Her flexibility and foresight have allowed us to experience the Met in its fullest sense, while also finding moments to simply appreciate the beauty of the spaces around us.

Supportive, insightful, and focused on guiding personal and professional growth, Karina Gilbert embodies these qualities. 🌱

I would like to express my gratitude to the other mentors and experts who dedicated their time to engage in this week with us. Mike Dominick, Dan Kershaw, Larry Kellermueller, Keelia Jacobs, Katy Uravith, Russel, Kailey, Ellie…

[bac-connex]

The MET - It Looks Like a Place for Integrated Multitalent

We explored every aspect of the MET that adds to the overall experience. No matter when you visit, walking through the halls and witnessing art up close is an extraordinary experience. However, few people realize that the behind-the-scenes world is equally fascinating.

Behind the scenes, the Exhibitions Department, Dan Kershaw ensures that people can appreciate art up close by making subtle changes such as adjusting the color of the rooms, the furniture, attachments, the display of art pieces, and even dividers like walls to create an intimate relationship between the art and the visitors.

Art pieces are beautiful on their own, but many of them suffer from deterioration over time. Teams like Object Conservation, led by Keelia Jacobs, ensure that the art pieces can be presented in the galleries by creating hard-to-find reformats, adding missing details if necessary, and always respecting the story they tell. Both the Exhibition Design and Object Conservation teams work hand in hand and are the most visible to the public. Without these teams, the pieces and exhibitions wouldn't be able to withstand the complex environment of New York City.

We must remember that these amazing scenarios cannot come to life without the collaboration of the art, Roof and Enclosure, and Engineering departments. The Roof and Enclosure must ensure that we maximize our use of sunlight while also protecting the diverse range of art pieces, materials, and textures housed within the Met. It is crucial to prevent any potential damage caused by sun exposure. Mike Dominick bears the responsibility of optimizing the roof's efficiency by identifying necessary changes, selecting materials that effectively diffuse light, considering the sun's position and its impact on the interior layout, and demonstrating patience throughout this process.

On the other hand, Larry Kellermueller ensures that the architecture meets functionality by designing enough space for the machines that circulate the air, ensuring that such machines function properly depending on which section they are directly connected to. This allows for adequate humidity and air circulation within the space.

These are some of the teams that contribute to making the spaces at The Met an amazing experience for visitors. Learning about these departments and seeing the work they do was like discovering all the layers that other people don't get to see.

Thank you to the Amazing experts who took the time to have us on an amazing tour through all these departments!

[bac-connex]

My name is Jharitza, a third year architecture student at the Boston Architectural College. My love for architecture goes beyond just building structures. I’m fascinated by how spaces shape our daily experiences and create the scenarios that influence our lives.

I’m driven by the idea that thoughtful design can inspire and connect people, making every space not just functional, but meaningful.

When I’m not immersed in design, you can find me mentoring students or exploring new ways that architecture intersects with community and culture.

I can’t wait to share this journey with you all!