Architecture

[Jim Alfredson]

To explain further, while I agree with Kunstler on many things, he seems to be very conservative in his view towards some buildings. My main complaint about "modern" architecture is not with designs like Gehry (designs that take chances) but rather with cheaply made, cheap-looking, disposable buildings.

At least Gehry is designing something interesting.

[BERIGAN]

As this thread began with the Arch here's a site devoted to the historic architecture of St. Louis; some crumbling, some no more, some still standing. Rooster might have provided this link in another thread long ago. Near & dear to my heart as it was the nearest large city growing up.

Built St. Louis site.

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Thanks for posting this link!

Man, why oh why did they tear the "Checkerdome" down?

[Indestructible!]

To explain further, while I agree with Kunstler on many things, he seems to be very conservative in his view towards some buildings.  My main complaint about "modern" architecture is not with designs like Gehry (designs that take chances) but rather with cheaply made, cheap-looking, disposable buildings. 

At least Gehry is designing something interesting.

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Hi Jim and Joe,

I'm in full agreement with your wife, Jim... I think most of Gehry's designs are brilliant (he's thrown in a few clunkers, it's true), and I was glad to see Los Angeles go with his design for the Disney Concert Hall. It was a shame to see them grind away at some of the exterior a little while back to prevent the building from overheating the neighbors... but then again I don't live near the building, so the average temperature in my loft didn't rise by 15 degrees!

In regards to whether the Caltrans Headquarters (or the Disney Concert Hall) will be considered good ideas in 40-50 years, well... that's a tough one to call. Perhaps these new designs will actually have become the norm by then, and the "traditional" styles will be viewed as the eyesores! Not likely, I know, but there once was a world without jazz, and now look how popular it is!

As Jim mentioned, the real key lies in the quality of the design... those innovative buildings designed with quality in mind will likely withstand the scrutiny of future generations. I'm sure Gehry's work (in Bilbao, the Disney Concert Hall, etc.) will be appreciated forever, while my IKEA furniture will surely be laughed at in about 5 years time.

Cheers,

Shane

[Joe G]

Well, thinking in such a way could be a very severe handicap.

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I did say it was "one thing to consider". Certainly, if there's quality in the construction and design, style will be less of an issue in some cases. We do still like art deco stuff.

I guess I'm a bit conservative in my tastes, though. I'm not overly fond of the sharp angles and jutting metal in the CalTrans building, for instance. It just doesn't say "Welcome" to me. :rsly:

[BruceH]

Structures can not be divorced from the surrounding culture.

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You might "enjoy" this parade of bad architecture:

Eyesore of the Month

There's a couple of years worth of depressing stuff we all see every day (with often hilarious commentary).

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Good ol' Jame Howard Kunstler. Just as caustic as ever, I see. Thanks for the link.