CHICAGO.- The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, presents March UBS 12 x 12 Presents Paul Preissner, on view through March 29, 2009. Architecture and selective dog breeding converge as architect Paul Preissner uses digital technology to create building designs that strive to be strong and identifiable parts of a cityscape, rather than structures that anonymously blend in with their surroundings. He presents new architectural drawings, animations, and models whose unique combinations of surface patterns and “spotting” serve as a communicative strategy for identification similar to the habits of selective dog breeding that produce desired coat patterns and body shapes. The exhibit, part of the ongoing UBS 12 x 12 New Artists/New Work series, opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago, during First Fridays on the evening of March 6, and runs through March 29, 2009.

Within the concept of “spotting,” Preissner has developed his own unique architectural vocabulary. He is creating a catalogue or inventory of exterior surface patterns that may be selected, or “bred,” to create a desired effect. Contradicting the mantra, “form follows function,” the designs are purely aesthetic and not limited by the interior plan of the building, much like how today’s dogs are bred for their appearance, and no longer for specific hunting or labor purposes.

Preissner is also interested in the role of drawing as a means to communicate the greater appearance, purpose, and influence of a building beyond serving solely as the physical plan. He is greatly influenced by the architects Peter Eisenman, Daniel Libeskind, and Bernard Tschumi, who have worked with drawings in an exploratory manner during the process of designing buildings.

Preissner received a Master of Architecture from Columbia University in 2000 and his bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1996. He leads a gallery talk along with Robert Somol, architectural theorist and Director of the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to discuss current issues in architecture on Tuesday, March 17, at 6:30 pm.

March’s First Friday’s theme is "Constellations" and guests may create star-adorned accessories at the starry night creation station; find a match at the G5 iMac Digital Dating Bar; dance to the sounds of DJ Marco Morales; and enjoy specialty drinks such as the Cosmic Cosmo and the Milky Way Martini. First Friday’s tickets include museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Puck’s hors d’oeuvres and are available the evening of the event for $15 ($7 for MCA members). Advance tickets are $10 ($7 MCA members) available through the MCA Box Office at 312.397.4010 or www.mcachicago.org.