THE MUSEUM OF QUEER JOY

A vibrant celebration of unapolagetic authenticity

PROJECT TYPE: Cultural

PROJECT LOCATION: Portland, OR

PROJECT DATE: Spring 2021

Building footprint designed by José Moreno Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Revit, VRAY, Enscape

We live in a society where the act of being openly queer can be considered radical. Narratives representing queer folks often focus solely on the hardships of queerness. LGBTQIA+ people do not need reminders of the struggles they face; for them, it is their lived experience.

The Museum of Queer Joy is both an educational experience and an escape; it immerses its visitors in the queer experience through a positive lens, celebrating queerness through an emotion-driven journey. The Museum’s primary exhibition transitions from simple, predictable, and unexpressive, to bright, bold, and emotive as visitors progress; this architectural story evokes the joyful and sometimes overwhelming journey of discovering and accepting one’s authentic self.

Below: conceptual collage of Museum experience

THROUGH A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY FROM PREDICTABLE CONFINES TO UNEXPECTED LIBERATION, THE MUSEUM OF QUEER JOY EMULATES THE EXPERIENCE OF QUEER SELF-DISCOVERY.

The Rose City offers a boquet of queer culture and history.

The Portland Two Spirit Society was founded in 2010 for LGBTIQ Native American/Alaskan Natives and their families to connect, reclaim, and restore culture and community.

The Portland Gay Liberation Front was founded as a result of a classified ad in the newspaper in 1970.

The Peacock in the Park drag show was founded in 1987 by Lady Elaine Peacock, as an annual fundraiser for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund.

The Peacock in the Park drag show was founded in 1987 by Lady Elaine Peacock, as an annual fundraiser for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund. The annual PDX Red Dress Party was organized for the first time in 2003 to raise money for those living with HIV and AIDS.

The Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade takes place at Waterfront Park annually. The first official pride event in Portland was in 1975.

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LEVEL 1 FLOOR PLAN

0’ 40’ 80’ 12

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1 welcome / reception 2 orientation 3 introduction exhibit 4 origins of pride 5 transformation hall 6 special exhibits 7 queer victories 8 our stories 7

9 museum store 10 inclusive restrooms 11 lobby 12 story corner 13 forum 14 activity room 15 south local gallery 16 café 6

17 lounge 18 courtyard 19 binary restrooms 20 north local gallery

The contrast between the Museum’s reception area and the introductory exhibit is intentionally extreme.

The high ceilings and bold expression of the lobby create an inviting atmosphere that promises excitement. Decorative panels transform sunlight, foreshadowing the museum experience to come.

The introductory exhibit’s low, dark ceilings create a feeling of oppression; the atmosphere is meant to be uncomfortable. Low light levels create an exclusive focus on the exhibit, turning the attention of guests away from themselves and to the stories of others.

As guests journey from the darkness of the introductory exhibit into the transformation hall, the atmosphere changes dramatically.

The transformation hall introduces an abrupt splash of color, symbolizing the joy of selfdiscovery. Its upward sloping ceiling and increased light level create a feeling of release as one travels through; this allows guests to empathize with the sense of relief that living openly and authentically can provide.

Exhibits on the south side of the transformation hallway focus on queer victories and stories of success.