The Museum Worker: Museum Architecture, From Threshold Fear to Open Invitation
From CAA Conversations by CAA
May 1, 2026 · 52 min
About this episode
The episode explores contemporary museum architecture and the importance of diverse stakeholder input in the design process.
In this episode of The Museum Worker, hosts and CAA Museum Committee members Miriam Paeslack and Samatha Sigmon delve into the literal ins and outs of museum architecture today with experts in the field. This discussion features various stakeholders in the field: Erin Coe, a museum professional who has spearheaded major building projects; Lauren McQuistion, an educator and theorist specializing in museum architecture; and architects Paul Schulhof and Azadeh Rashidi, who design cultural spaces in both urban and rural environments. Working from the outside into the physical museum space, each speaker draws on their own experiences and case studies to underscore the imperative of incorporating the input of diverse voices along the design process. Museums today, all participants agree, must navigate between being beacons of unique design and crafting a meaningful environment that facilitates the institution’s role as a community anchor.
People in this episode
Hosts: Miriam Paeslack, Samatha Sigmon
Guests: Erin Coe, Lauren McQuistion, Paul Schulhof, Azadeh Rashidi
Topics covered
- museum architecture
- community engagement
- design process
- cultural spaces
- stakeholder input
Keywords
- museum design
- architecture
- community anchor
- cultural institutions
- urban spaces
- rural environments
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CAA Museum Committee
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