The Switch House extension to Tate Modern is striking seen from outside and beautiful on the interior. Architects
Herzog & de Meuron show the influence of Tadao Ando in the use of polished concrete interiors. It is sleek, elegant,a creator of harmony and serenity while casting a faint but perceptible silky glow. The elongated curving staircases connecting floors are practical in their width and sensuous in their effect.
Over all there are echoes of ancient Egypt (again something Switch House has in common with Ando's interiors at Naoshima art museums in Japan). There is a hint of mystery but also of comfort. Windows offer views out over London and the river Thames that are part of the pleasure of a visit. But apart from an eerie, engaging contemporary music performance using newly created instruments (among them a variety of white pots placed on a large low white platform and a Rube Goldberg-like contraption that burst with birdsong), created for the opening as well as a display of works by Louise Bourgeois--familiar but welcome just the same--the art on view does not even come close to the visual and sensory excitement of the building. I can't say that comes a shock. But it is a happy surprise to have a great new building in London and one that has such potential for day dreaming: The 10th floor is a glass box viewing platform. I didn't see any seats but may, just as in the Turbine Hall next door, we will all just plunk ourselves down and the floor.
