Collection by Heather Corcoran

A Look Into the Artistic Mind of a Portland Architectect

As we celebrate our Portland Home Tour, take a closer look at the conceptual practice of Brad Cloepfil's Allied Works Architecture with the exhibition Case Work, on display at the Portland Art Museum through September 4, 2016. portlandartmuseum.org/exh...

The sculptures and models are housed in custom-designed cases meant to reflect the qualities of the works themselves.
The sculptures and models are housed in custom-designed cases meant to reflect the qualities of the works themselves.
The exhibition Case Works at the Portland Art Museum looks beyond the traditional architectural model to a more abstract approach. This display piece can be customized from location to location.
The exhibition Case Works at the Portland Art Museum looks beyond the traditional architectural model to a more abstract approach. This display piece can be customized from location to location.
Conceptual study for the National Music Centre, 2009, by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture. Made of concrete cast around parts from salvaged musical instruments, this piece was created as part of the conceptual design phase for the National Music Centre of Canada.
Conceptual study for the National Music Centre, 2009, by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture. Made of concrete cast around parts from salvaged musical instruments, this piece was created as part of the conceptual design phase for the National Music Centre of Canada.
Along with 17 three-dimensional models, the exhibition includes more than 30 drawings from gestural sketches to detailed studies.
Along with 17 three-dimensional models, the exhibition includes more than 30 drawings from gestural sketches to detailed studies.
Conceptual study for the Wisconsin Art Preserve, 2010, by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture. Conceptual study for the Wisconsin Art Preserve, 2010. Wood, Prismacolor pencils, plaster and porcelain. 21 in x 28 in x 3 in.
Conceptual study for the Wisconsin Art Preserve, 2010, by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture. Conceptual study for the Wisconsin Art Preserve, 2010. Wood, Prismacolor pencils, plaster and porcelain. 21 in x 28 in x 3 in.
The majority of the sculptures, models, and drawings have never been exhibited publicly before. They are strikingly different from traditional architectural models, which transform plans into scale renderings of a space, and each is a unique artistic creation.
The majority of the sculptures, models, and drawings have never been exhibited publicly before. They are strikingly different from traditional architectural models, which transform plans into scale renderings of a space, and each is a unique artistic creation.
The exhibition "Case Work: Studies in Form, Space & Construction by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture" at the Portland Art Museum through September 4, 2016, looks into the workings of the firm with approximately 60 conceptual studies and drawings made over the past 15 years.  The first comprehensive exhibition exploring the sculptures and drawings of Allied Works Architecture, it was designed as an immersive experience by the firm. “Since launching Allied Works in Portland in 1994, Brad Cloepfil has been celebrated for creating timeless and beautifully executed works of architecture,” says Brian Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Director and Chief Curator of the Portland Art Museum, which co-organized the exhibition with the Clyfford Still Museum. “This exhibition provides audiences with an unusual opportunity to explore the conceptual sculptures and gestural drawings that underpin Brad’s creative practice and that embody the firm’s unique approach and standing within the field.”
The exhibition "Case Work: Studies in Form, Space & Construction by Brad Cloepfil/Allied Works Architecture" at the Portland Art Museum through September 4, 2016, looks into the workings of the firm with approximately 60 conceptual studies and drawings made over the past 15 years. The first comprehensive exhibition exploring the sculptures and drawings of Allied Works Architecture, it was designed as an immersive experience by the firm. “Since launching Allied Works in Portland in 1994, Brad Cloepfil has been celebrated for creating timeless and beautifully executed works of architecture,” says Brian Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Director and Chief Curator of the Portland Art Museum, which co-organized the exhibition with the Clyfford Still Museum. “This exhibition provides audiences with an unusual opportunity to explore the conceptual sculptures and gestural drawings that underpin Brad’s creative practice and that embody the firm’s unique approach and standing within the field.”
A 2010 model for the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver carved from a single reclaimed beam of Douglas fir. The museum, an Allied Works design, was a co-organizer of the show with the Portland Art Museum.
A 2010 model for the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver carved from a single reclaimed beam of Douglas fir. The museum, an Allied Works design, was a co-organizer of the show with the Portland Art Museum.