ABSTRACT
The relationship between the architect Louis I. Kahn, the structural engineer August E. Komendant and the other agents in the design and construction of the Kimbell Art Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas presents a fascinating case study of the complex issues involved in achieving the goals of each party in a collaborative effort. Delays, misunderstandings, and personal incompatibilities all preceded the ultimate success of a project influenced by a multitude of interests and personalities. A breakdown of trust during the museum’s construction and a subsequent shift in authority even gave the structural engineer reason to claim that he had been given the responsibility for design decisions. Alliances, profit considerations, and discordant working methods all played their part in creating a situation of grievances, recriminations, and threatened lawsuits before this outstanding building finally opened its door. Louis I. Kahn https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315614816/19fa8e76-4019-4807-8cdb-5a7cd15de114/content/fig5_1_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> August E. Komendant https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315614816/19fa8e76-4019-4807-8cdb-5a7cd15de114/content/fig5_2_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/>
