Submission:
one page bio
project description
concept sketches
Waterloo Walls
Resources:
application
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Waterloo Walls call for Artists
Deadline: February 27, 2009
Submission:
one page bio
project description
concept sketches
Waterloo Walls
Resources:
application
Submission:
one page bio
project description
concept sketches
Waterloo Walls
Resources:
application
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
This strange new feeling...
...stirs within. Something that I haven't felt for quite some time. What is this strange new companion? Hope? Is this what hope actually feels like? Respect? Is that what this is? Some odd mixture? Hopspect?
We watched the festivities in the office today starting from when we finally figured out how to get the projector to function with the new video cards (around 11.15am) until our MSNBC feed finally gave up (right after Obama's speech).
There was something there though, in that speech, that made me feel slightly more comfortable than I have in quite some time. I apologize for this aside, I typically tend to stay clear of political conversation unless to comment upon a specific action so I mean this in no way as a blanket endorsement.
The strength of the language, the clarity of the rhetoric (even unspecified at times) made me very proud of my country right then. Not to say that I am usually un-proud although at time my pride may fluctuate depending on particular actions. There was conviction there. A call to arms that rang loud and clear and without quiver. That to truly achieve greatness we must unite, we most lead by example and make our success the envy and model of others to not only emulate, but to aspire to. Coupled with the previous day's community service the new Presidential Family undertook, I can appreciate the strength in that very ideal.
We have heard quite a bit of verbose statements in these past four or five years, at times questionable, typically to be taken on face value and repeated ad nausea until taken as truth. However we have also lately heard comments from both parties that they will strive to reach across the aisle, work together, work for the common good of the American people, be transparent and accountable. We have heard all these promises from almost everyone who had the fortune of having a microphone shoved into their face and I find that we are now particularly lucky to have the opportunity to test the merit of that bravado.
We, as a society, may truly be on the brink of a new and exciting age, faced with some of the greatest crisis in not only our own short history, the possibility lifts its lumbering head. Will we truly take the opportunity to work together and forge an image of strength and power once again for our country or will we squander what could possibly be one of our last chances before we finally drift away whimpering and beaten?
Should any forget, this new opportunity is not solely for those in positions of leadership in Washington but also for every man, woman and child that calls this nation home. We must take the model of leading by example, we must emulate our role models, taking on the characteristics we most cherish and invigorate our communities into action. We must learn to take responsibility, to hold ourselves accountable , we must act when it is called for and tirelessly prepare for our uncertain future in anticipation and care.
There were many great ideas strung together today, there was an amazing message, there was defiance and strength and a plea for Americans to be the sort of Americans they themselves respect. We must lead by example, we must rebuild our nation.
We have been given the opportunity and our foundation is strong.
We watched the festivities in the office today starting from when we finally figured out how to get the projector to function with the new video cards (around 11.15am) until our MSNBC feed finally gave up (right after Obama's speech).
There was something there though, in that speech, that made me feel slightly more comfortable than I have in quite some time. I apologize for this aside, I typically tend to stay clear of political conversation unless to comment upon a specific action so I mean this in no way as a blanket endorsement.
The strength of the language, the clarity of the rhetoric (even unspecified at times) made me very proud of my country right then. Not to say that I am usually un-proud although at time my pride may fluctuate depending on particular actions. There was conviction there. A call to arms that rang loud and clear and without quiver. That to truly achieve greatness we must unite, we most lead by example and make our success the envy and model of others to not only emulate, but to aspire to. Coupled with the previous day's community service the new Presidential Family undertook, I can appreciate the strength in that very ideal.
We have heard quite a bit of verbose statements in these past four or five years, at times questionable, typically to be taken on face value and repeated ad nausea until taken as truth. However we have also lately heard comments from both parties that they will strive to reach across the aisle, work together, work for the common good of the American people, be transparent and accountable. We have heard all these promises from almost everyone who had the fortune of having a microphone shoved into their face and I find that we are now particularly lucky to have the opportunity to test the merit of that bravado.
We, as a society, may truly be on the brink of a new and exciting age, faced with some of the greatest crisis in not only our own short history, the possibility lifts its lumbering head. Will we truly take the opportunity to work together and forge an image of strength and power once again for our country or will we squander what could possibly be one of our last chances before we finally drift away whimpering and beaten?
Should any forget, this new opportunity is not solely for those in positions of leadership in Washington but also for every man, woman and child that calls this nation home. We must take the model of leading by example, we must emulate our role models, taking on the characteristics we most cherish and invigorate our communities into action. We must learn to take responsibility, to hold ourselves accountable , we must act when it is called for and tirelessly prepare for our uncertain future in anticipation and care.
There were many great ideas strung together today, there was an amazing message, there was defiance and strength and a plea for Americans to be the sort of Americans they themselves respect. We must lead by example, we must rebuild our nation.
We have been given the opportunity and our foundation is strong.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cleveland won't cuddle the coldest of us
As the cold snap that had strangled the Midwest and Eastern portion of the United States slowly releases its relentless grip it takes only a quick glance from frosty windows to realize how dependent we are upon our shelters. Furnaces working overtime, panes of frosted glass separating us from the elements as we toil under the glow of electric light.
This mentality typically transfers over to our daily lives more than we realize. Waking up and glancing at what we can discern from our windows typically indicates that our location and the season has gifted us with the cardiovascular workout of removing ice and snow from walkways, vehicles, driveways or any other encumbrances that will hinder our daily journeys. Attempting our morning shower (if the pipes haven't frozen), dressing in a manner that allows us to brave the elements for the necessary time to get to our destinations be it either by automobile or bus commute (braving the roadways and suspect driving skills of our neighbors), the treacherous walkways of the sidewalks, the exposed platforms of our light rail system and the extremes of the temperature inherent in each.
As any denizen can speak commuting in the throes of winter is diabolically different then the leisurely drives of warmer months. Clear summer roadways lead to sporadic techniques seen in aggressive driving that seem almost mild when compared to the same technique applied on the slick and newly salted arteries. Cars with windows still covered in snow attempting to change lanes around those whom do not quite trust the roadways and are exhibiting a cautious relationship with particular rules of physics cause many to wonder at the sanity of man. Cleveland may have an exquisite public bus system however those lumbering giants are held to the same roadway rules as everyone else. When traffic flow is corrupted by the constant seasonal spin-outs so is the bus passenger's commute.
The Rapid system seems more logical for cold weather and the journey to downtown. Dedicated rail transit corridors that act independently of roadway conditions typically service somewhat protected waiting areas that are gifted with heat, lighting and full enclosure. Granted even these systems are not completely secure from winter's icy fingers and delays, etc. may occur I must admit that the rail system has been typically quicker, warmer and more comfortable then our bus line in winter months.
Why then is it a constant argument that rail systems do not make more sense in colder climates? The Euclid Corridor/SilverLine/HealthLine system, born of various marketing names to fit whichever guise it was being sold under has proven in execution to be nothing more than a glorified bus system, beholden to the same foul weather barrage as the system it replaced. Exposed and cramped waiting areas are open to the east/west wind that rips through Cleveland while open corners, a suspect cost cutting device, make sure that no sheltered area is attainable. For a city that makes jokes about the length and breadth of our winters one would expect that designers and planners would respect the dialogue of our seasons.
So what would I like to eventually see? Enclosed stations, perhaps ones that actually protect inhabitants. More passenger rail connecting the inner ring suburbs to downtown, perhaps even with the planning of more transit oriented development as the first step in redeveloping an area (see along the Lakeshore Line) instead of random suburban development that requires new service. Staggering of systems already in place such as having the HealthLine stop at every 6 to 10 blocks instead of every other block, capitalizing on timed traffic patterns to expedite movement into and out of the city instead of stopping at every regular bus stop (the redundancy of the #6 and HealthLine - which don't share lanes - make Euclid a very interesting avenue to actually attempt to commute along). Does public square need 3 HealthLine stops? Concentrated transit nodes would be nice at certain points so that "mini" stations could develop along extremely busy routes offering passengers a chance to use many of the secondary transit lines to get closer to their destination. These mini nodes could also offer more shelter, be located by businesses and institutions and offering partnering/marketing strategies.
We need to take advantage of our weather patterns and design for an urban experience that won't leave people out in the cold but instead creates places to rest, warm up, and safely wait for their next transportation option to arrive. Getting into downtown and getting around downtown should not be thought of as two separate problems, it is imperative that the solution be conceived to function in concert. We need to act as if the city of Cleveland is fundamental to the health of the region and plan and act accordingly.
This mentality typically transfers over to our daily lives more than we realize. Waking up and glancing at what we can discern from our windows typically indicates that our location and the season has gifted us with the cardiovascular workout of removing ice and snow from walkways, vehicles, driveways or any other encumbrances that will hinder our daily journeys. Attempting our morning shower (if the pipes haven't frozen), dressing in a manner that allows us to brave the elements for the necessary time to get to our destinations be it either by automobile or bus commute (braving the roadways and suspect driving skills of our neighbors), the treacherous walkways of the sidewalks, the exposed platforms of our light rail system and the extremes of the temperature inherent in each.
As any denizen can speak commuting in the throes of winter is diabolically different then the leisurely drives of warmer months. Clear summer roadways lead to sporadic techniques seen in aggressive driving that seem almost mild when compared to the same technique applied on the slick and newly salted arteries. Cars with windows still covered in snow attempting to change lanes around those whom do not quite trust the roadways and are exhibiting a cautious relationship with particular rules of physics cause many to wonder at the sanity of man. Cleveland may have an exquisite public bus system however those lumbering giants are held to the same roadway rules as everyone else. When traffic flow is corrupted by the constant seasonal spin-outs so is the bus passenger's commute.
The Rapid system seems more logical for cold weather and the journey to downtown. Dedicated rail transit corridors that act independently of roadway conditions typically service somewhat protected waiting areas that are gifted with heat, lighting and full enclosure. Granted even these systems are not completely secure from winter's icy fingers and delays, etc. may occur I must admit that the rail system has been typically quicker, warmer and more comfortable then our bus line in winter months.
Why then is it a constant argument that rail systems do not make more sense in colder climates? The Euclid Corridor/SilverLine/HealthLine system, born of various marketing names to fit whichever guise it was being sold under has proven in execution to be nothing more than a glorified bus system, beholden to the same foul weather barrage as the system it replaced. Exposed and cramped waiting areas are open to the east/west wind that rips through Cleveland while open corners, a suspect cost cutting device, make sure that no sheltered area is attainable. For a city that makes jokes about the length and breadth of our winters one would expect that designers and planners would respect the dialogue of our seasons.
So what would I like to eventually see? Enclosed stations, perhaps ones that actually protect inhabitants. More passenger rail connecting the inner ring suburbs to downtown, perhaps even with the planning of more transit oriented development as the first step in redeveloping an area (see along the Lakeshore Line) instead of random suburban development that requires new service. Staggering of systems already in place such as having the HealthLine stop at every 6 to 10 blocks instead of every other block, capitalizing on timed traffic patterns to expedite movement into and out of the city instead of stopping at every regular bus stop (the redundancy of the #6 and HealthLine - which don't share lanes - make Euclid a very interesting avenue to actually attempt to commute along). Does public square need 3 HealthLine stops? Concentrated transit nodes would be nice at certain points so that "mini" stations could develop along extremely busy routes offering passengers a chance to use many of the secondary transit lines to get closer to their destination. These mini nodes could also offer more shelter, be located by businesses and institutions and offering partnering/marketing strategies.
We need to take advantage of our weather patterns and design for an urban experience that won't leave people out in the cold but instead creates places to rest, warm up, and safely wait for their next transportation option to arrive. Getting into downtown and getting around downtown should not be thought of as two separate problems, it is imperative that the solution be conceived to function in concert. We need to act as if the city of Cleveland is fundamental to the health of the region and plan and act accordingly.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The ethics of the aesthetic - container housing
The movement for the "container" house, one I remember first truly being intimately exposed to (which I consider more then a blankly thumbing through a journal article) is based upon a lecture given by LOT-EK at Kent State University in 2003. The premise of re-using an existing pre-manufactured material (shipping containers) and extending their viable life was interesting. The modular construction meant that solutions were simply limited to creatively finding a manner to fit out the interior as usable space, structurally join and frame units, insulate and puncture the skin and carve out the necessary allowances for infrastructure (mechanical, communication and electrical services). The argument that these containers were more likely to be discarded than reused (which means typically shipping empty to where they were packed and sent from in the first place) was compelling enough to accept that creating a new truly machined modular aesthetic was secondary to the primary goal of salvaging resources.
In fact this was typically more comfortable to my own sense of performative architecture (performative meaning where a secondary goal of accomplishing more then simple shelter or space making is attempted through rigorous study and may therefore actively affect the primary goal) than the argument for modern prefabricated housing being cheaper and less wasteful and resonates with the associated aesthetic much more responsibly. A container is expected to be shaped as an extruded box, with the various elements being broken along the module of the container (typically as the primary element) with adjoining or adjacent accoutrement being given a secondary value. However the logic of modern prefab housing emulating this modular construction based solely on imitation severely limited the aesthetic and even the imagination of the form. In fact the argument that the less wasteful more cost efficient design was successful in use somehow took a back seat to alluding to successful contextual vernacular which had evolved over what ever time human habitation had occurred within the region.
The container modulus as aesthetic had somehow taken over. The building was supposed to be prefab and in order to sell the idea it also had to look prefab. The Sear's homes of the early 1900's, themselves a glowing example of successful prefabricated housing technology and construction, look nothing like how one would expect a factory built house to look. If anything the close allusion to standard housing construction was a more successful argument of the "machine aesthetic" because it was an attempt to prove that through machination that industrialized home building could indeed replace the craftsman builder and offer a more efficient alternative.
The natural evolution of the Sears home was that the model could not weather the boom and bust economic cycles where local tradesmen were able to offer home building at more cost efficient options whilst allowing for customization and personal design to take hold (again the cycle repeats and whole developments of hundreds if not thousands of homes are based from 3 or 4 master house plans and customized through use of applique to give each it's own distinct identity. Wanting to be different, just like everyone else wants to be). So follows the modern prefabricated house. Offering so much in the way of options that the cost effective argument is moot. There is no metric from which to base an empirical study and no manner of record keeping to prove that the designs are more efficient in use nor construction.
Thus the shipping container model strengthens its argument if only in need to re-use existing materials the designs are offering what no other prefabricated system can, a logical reasoning behind the obvious module. While I may or may not agree with the aesthetic per se, I can understand and even appreciate the argument behind it.
Imagine my surprise however when confronted with the polka dot structure whose image is shown above. A foray into the prefabricated modular home building arena which stresses to argue against the very logic for its existence. Aggregated in ConHouse, a how to guide for container housing with the agenda that everyone can (and possibly should) afford themselves a shipping container home, this particular design by jure kotnik architect for a "weekend house" is based from a specially designed and constructed container, built solely to be used for housing. The idea of reusing materials is thrown away for the argument of cost. While the actual pricing area is a little unknown the argument that this particular module is the most cost effective and spatially adaptable seems highly suspect, especially when proffered that this particular design can be altered "as needed so that the ConHouse can grow or contract...". The resultant is a home that has an arguable cost and use but confines itself to an aesthetic that it doesn't not actually belong. So why follow the aesthetic? Is there something terribly romantic or historic that the container offers? Is there more opportunity offered by the structure or design that would become unavailable if there were a pitched roof or more articulated footprint? When the reasoning behind the base system is deviated from what makes the new system have any inherent value (other than allegorical)?
When giant pink polka dots are the least offending portion of an offered scheme one must consider that something is truly amiss.
2008 TOIstudio Year in Review
Trying to quantify the meanderings of Cleveland architecture and design for an entire year into a couple paragraphs shouldn't really be that difficult. There were plenty of art openings within the various art districts that form a commercialized "culture" necklace around the closing throat of our fair city.
The economy stifled Stark's and Wolstein's plans to interject mixed use living downtown as well as put the brakes on the plans of many local design firms (that itself is topic for another separate discussion).
We did see the beginning/completion of some projects, promising and otherwise. The Euclid Corridor HealthLine/SilverLine finally opened for business and is undergoing the throws of the public judgment of change (or not enough change depending on where you stand).
Robert Maschke finally built something on the hill overlooking the Lakeshore that at least attempts to challenge the standard operating procedure of custom built homes and conveniently acts as a billboard for more modern design than the average Cleveland citizen is used to.
Cameron Sinclair gave a tremendous talk at Ideastream about the work of Architecture for Humanity which I think gave quite a few people pause to question the ethics of their actions.
Winny Maas of MVRDV learned a little something about working in Cleveland as he watched his design get, well, sank. I was actually excited for the original design and now, well, I am a little sad at the tentative, boring uninspiring design that will take its place. Whether or not you attempt to cover it up with banners and supergraphics the building underneath will still be there.
Foreign Office Architects also are working on an anchor building to University Circle, designing the new building to house Cleveland's Museum of Contemporary Art. Not a lot about this project is generally known but if FOA's previous work is any indication the Cleveland.com blog will be on FIRE (in the hilarious and somewhat embarrassing for humanity way it typically is).
A couple more big names got tossed in the ring for designing the residential component of The Triangle (University Circle's public schwerpunkt) however since this is all blending together in my mind of when this all started going down perhaps this should all be filed under 2007 anyway. It doesn't matter besides, coordination is going through a local city office that isn't known for K work (the "K" stands for Kwality) and there shouldn't be any surprise if the development gets botched even after surviving the current economy.
blah blah blah, Tri-C sneaks something past the sleeping city and scurries to put up the Center for Creative Arts which doesn't offend all the senses but it tried pretty hard. I don't even know if construction is complete on it yet, I try to close my eyes every time I pass the site which is hard to do when driving on the 77 North bridge into Cleveland but I think it is worth the risk.
And speaking of bridges how about the the Innerbelt Bridge? Guess which huge infrastructure project is so completely screwed up that it the rumors ODOT is hoping the current economy forces more people to move downtown and empty out the suburbs so they don't have to deal with the bridge could be completely true and not just made up on the spot. Can you guess?
Also, ODOT basically gives Tremont the finger, closes down Highway access and keeps it that way. At least the Abbey Road bridge by the W.25th Red Line station is open again. I think.
Cleveland had two local design competitions close out the year. The second annual Cleveland Design Competition and the Fairfax Intergenerational Design Competition both got some local talent involved and even attracted some international attention.
A stay of execution was issued for Marcel Breuer's Ameritrust Tower on E.9th and Euclid as K&D Development purchased it from Cuyahoga County. No word on what the County plans to do as a new headquarters nor how quickly the Tower's redevelopment is moving as most speculative development has been placed on hold.
CSU's Student Center by Don Hisaka was razed to make way for a project by Gwathmey Seigel that I hope is executed better than the renderings for the new student center show. I was sorry to see the old student center go. At least it was interesting.
Medical Mart. Big news in 2007, big news in 2008. What will 2009 hold?
Of course the economy hasn't helped anyone. Massive cuts at design firms, speculative projects going under, major investments being lost by clients decreases the available funds for expansion and growth and cuts into budgets anyway hurting, well everyone.
Obama. What more can I say? I haven't drank all the kool-aid yet but after the debacle of the last administration having someone who can speak their mind in an articulate manner may well be welcome. Preliminary plans to stimulate the economy through infrastructure stimulus packages and oversee city and urban development can only be exciting and I am extremely excited about the prospect of our nation moving forward again.
So here is to 2009. 'F@#!' 2008. At least it can't be worse.
2007 in review
The economy stifled Stark's and Wolstein's plans to interject mixed use living downtown as well as put the brakes on the plans of many local design firms (that itself is topic for another separate discussion).
We did see the beginning/completion of some projects, promising and otherwise. The Euclid Corridor HealthLine/SilverLine finally opened for business and is undergoing the throws of the public judgment of change (or not enough change depending on where you stand).
Robert Maschke finally built something on the hill overlooking the Lakeshore that at least attempts to challenge the standard operating procedure of custom built homes and conveniently acts as a billboard for more modern design than the average Cleveland citizen is used to.
Cameron Sinclair gave a tremendous talk at Ideastream about the work of Architecture for Humanity which I think gave quite a few people pause to question the ethics of their actions.
Winny Maas of MVRDV learned a little something about working in Cleveland as he watched his design get, well, sank. I was actually excited for the original design and now, well, I am a little sad at the tentative, boring uninspiring design that will take its place. Whether or not you attempt to cover it up with banners and supergraphics the building underneath will still be there.
Foreign Office Architects also are working on an anchor building to University Circle, designing the new building to house Cleveland's Museum of Contemporary Art. Not a lot about this project is generally known but if FOA's previous work is any indication the Cleveland.com blog will be on FIRE (in the hilarious and somewhat embarrassing for humanity way it typically is).
A couple more big names got tossed in the ring for designing the residential component of The Triangle (University Circle's public schwerpunkt) however since this is all blending together in my mind of when this all started going down perhaps this should all be filed under 2007 anyway. It doesn't matter besides, coordination is going through a local city office that isn't known for K work (the "K" stands for Kwality) and there shouldn't be any surprise if the development gets botched even after surviving the current economy.
blah blah blah, Tri-C sneaks something past the sleeping city and scurries to put up the Center for Creative Arts which doesn't offend all the senses but it tried pretty hard. I don't even know if construction is complete on it yet, I try to close my eyes every time I pass the site which is hard to do when driving on the 77 North bridge into Cleveland but I think it is worth the risk.
And speaking of bridges how about the the Innerbelt Bridge? Guess which huge infrastructure project is so completely screwed up that it the rumors ODOT is hoping the current economy forces more people to move downtown and empty out the suburbs so they don't have to deal with the bridge could be completely true and not just made up on the spot. Can you guess?
Also, ODOT basically gives Tremont the finger, closes down Highway access and keeps it that way. At least the Abbey Road bridge by the W.25th Red Line station is open again. I think.
Cleveland had two local design competitions close out the year. The second annual Cleveland Design Competition and the Fairfax Intergenerational Design Competition both got some local talent involved and even attracted some international attention.
A stay of execution was issued for Marcel Breuer's Ameritrust Tower on E.9th and Euclid as K&D Development purchased it from Cuyahoga County. No word on what the County plans to do as a new headquarters nor how quickly the Tower's redevelopment is moving as most speculative development has been placed on hold.
CSU's Student Center by Don Hisaka was razed to make way for a project by Gwathmey Seigel that I hope is executed better than the renderings for the new student center show. I was sorry to see the old student center go. At least it was interesting.
Medical Mart. Big news in 2007, big news in 2008. What will 2009 hold?
Of course the economy hasn't helped anyone. Massive cuts at design firms, speculative projects going under, major investments being lost by clients decreases the available funds for expansion and growth and cuts into budgets anyway hurting, well everyone.
Obama. What more can I say? I haven't drank all the kool-aid yet but after the debacle of the last administration having someone who can speak their mind in an articulate manner may well be welcome. Preliminary plans to stimulate the economy through infrastructure stimulus packages and oversee city and urban development can only be exciting and I am extremely excited about the prospect of our nation moving forward again.
So here is to 2009. 'F@#!' 2008. At least it can't be worse.
2007 in review
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tremont ArtWalk - January 2009
Tremont Art Walk
Friday, January 9th, 2008
Tremont Neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio
6-10pm
First one of the year!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Year of the OX - Call to Artists
Year of the OX Public Art Project
Deadline: January 16th, 2009
Sponsored by: St Clair Superior Development Corporation
The (36" x 41" long) fiberglass oxen will be supplied (pedestals will depend upon sponsor's chosen location).
The artist may paint, sculpt, transform and adorn the ox form as he or she wishes, but the structural integrity of the ox must not be compromised. Asian themes are appropriate, but are not required. The design should not include any direct advertising of a product or company.
Call to Artists
application form .pdf
design template .pdf
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Mercel Breuer - another building in danger - Atlanta-Fulton Central Library
Timely coinciding with my completion of Fred Scott's On Altering Architecture I received notice that another of Marcel Breuer's signature buildings was in danger of demolition. After the arduous battle for the saving of the Cleveland Trust Tower/ Ameritrust Tower/ Breuer Tower which I will still defend over margarita's at lunch.
I haven't collected all the data on the situation just yet, however word on the street is that the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library is looking at razing Breuer's library in order to make way for a new structure.
The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City — one of architect Marcel Breuer’s most esteemed works — has taken its place among the premier cultural monuments of the modern world. When it first made its appearance in 1966, among those who held it in high esteem and recognized its importance for modern architecture was the then Director of the Atlanta Public Library, Carlton C. Rochell, a man with a keen interest in and a wide knowledge of architecture. Eager to have what he called “a world class building” for the projected new library in Atlanta, and believing it possible to do so by going to a “world class architect”, he reinforced his view by making an analogy to Atlanta’s famed baseball superstar, stating that “ If you want a home run you pick Hank Aaron”. He therefore urged the selection committee of the Library Board to interview Breuer (among others) for the project. The Breuer office in New York received from Atlanta a 275 page program for the new building. The program was intensively adjusted and revised, interpreted and reinvented, by the architectural team in the Breuer office, headed by Breuer’s partner Hamilton Smith with the important contribution of architect Carl Stein. A model was built from the Breuer design, and it was considered by the Board in Atlanta to be a highly successful interpretation of their program.
The resulting Atlanta Central Public Library – construction began in 1977 and was completed in 1980 – is one of the finest buildings of Marcel Breuer’s long career. Probably because the Board members had made very clear to Breuer their admiration for his Whitney Museum, the Atlanta Library reflects an obvious great kinship with the museum. For Atlanta, Breuer reinvented the stepped profile, the grand massing, the few windows, and the severe, hard-edged geometric volumes of the Whitney. It is indeed a world class building by a world class architect. That library is now in danger of disappearing.
The significance of Marcel Breuer and his architecture in the history of modernism was already established by 1956 when he was named – along with Mies von der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, and six others — as one of the “form-givers” of the twentieth-century. Breuer had been educated at the Bauhaus in Germany in the 1920s, practiced architecture in London in the mid-1930s, and emigrated to the United States in 1937 at the behest of Walter Gropius to teach at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard and, in partnership with Gropius, to enter into private practice. After the end of the World War II Breuer left Harvard and established an independent and highly successful architectural practice in New York City. With an international team of partners he designed the Unesco Building in Paris; he was the architect of the HUD and HEW federal buildings in Washington, D.C., and of the Grand Coulee Dam Forebay in the state of Washington. The famed complex of Benedictine buildings in Collegeville, Minnesota is his work, as is the education wing of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the United States Embassy in The Hague, and several administrative and laboratory buildings for IBM. Breuer built schools, office buildings, libraries, sacred buildings, and a remarkable number of widely admired private residences. In 1968 he was the recipient of the Gold Medal given by the American Institute of Architects. In 1972-73 – the heyday of Late Modernism – Breuer’s stature was recognized, impressively, by the Metropolitan Museum of New York, New York’s premiere museum. The museum gave him the first one-man show of an architect in its 102 year history. They titled it “Marcel Breuer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” and mounted it in three galleries with a display of photo murals, architectural models, furniture, and tapestries. In its press release the Met referred to Breuer as “One of the 20th century’s most important and prolific architects, a major influence in American architecture and Design.” As recently as 2007 – more than a quarter century after his death — the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. installed a major exhibition entitled “Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture”, paying particular tribute to his brilliant career as a designer of furniture as well as buildings.
At the time of the initial campaign for the current Atlanta Library, Atlanta was described as “a city with a lot of buildings but not a lot of architecture.” Breuer’s Atlanta Library is unquestionably a work of “architecture.” Its heavy massing and concrete construction represent a mode of design and a material no longer in vogue in parts of this country. But Breuer had a particular interest in the sculptural potential of concrete in modern architecture, as he conceived architecture as sculpture. And concrete was a material that, at the time the Library project was underway, was very cost-effective for a public building.
Tastes change with regard to the appearance of buildings as they do for every cycle of creative activity. Concrete architecture of the 1970s is not at this moment universally appreciated. But to remove a significant modernist monument — important in and for its time and still satisfactorily fulfilling its original function to serve the community — designed by a major architect of historical importance and world renown, would be a serious civic blunder in the cultural history of Atlanta.
Isabelle Hyman (borrowed from the preservation main page, not to dilute the intent but to stir the heart to action)
If one can stand for one's beliefs in one's own region, why cannot one speak out to protect another? That is the justification for sticking my nose where it probably is not needed.
Resources:
All I wanted was an authentic Model-B3 chair (or a Knoll reproduction would be fine. Black leather please but I won't be picky) for xmas.
I haven't collected all the data on the situation just yet, however word on the street is that the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library is looking at razing Breuer's library in order to make way for a new structure.
The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City — one of architect Marcel Breuer’s most esteemed works — has taken its place among the premier cultural monuments of the modern world. When it first made its appearance in 1966, among those who held it in high esteem and recognized its importance for modern architecture was the then Director of the Atlanta Public Library, Carlton C. Rochell, a man with a keen interest in and a wide knowledge of architecture. Eager to have what he called “a world class building” for the projected new library in Atlanta, and believing it possible to do so by going to a “world class architect”, he reinforced his view by making an analogy to Atlanta’s famed baseball superstar, stating that “ If you want a home run you pick Hank Aaron”. He therefore urged the selection committee of the Library Board to interview Breuer (among others) for the project. The Breuer office in New York received from Atlanta a 275 page program for the new building. The program was intensively adjusted and revised, interpreted and reinvented, by the architectural team in the Breuer office, headed by Breuer’s partner Hamilton Smith with the important contribution of architect Carl Stein. A model was built from the Breuer design, and it was considered by the Board in Atlanta to be a highly successful interpretation of their program.
The resulting Atlanta Central Public Library – construction began in 1977 and was completed in 1980 – is one of the finest buildings of Marcel Breuer’s long career. Probably because the Board members had made very clear to Breuer their admiration for his Whitney Museum, the Atlanta Library reflects an obvious great kinship with the museum. For Atlanta, Breuer reinvented the stepped profile, the grand massing, the few windows, and the severe, hard-edged geometric volumes of the Whitney. It is indeed a world class building by a world class architect. That library is now in danger of disappearing.
The significance of Marcel Breuer and his architecture in the history of modernism was already established by 1956 when he was named – along with Mies von der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, Eero Saarinen, Alvar Aalto, and six others — as one of the “form-givers” of the twentieth-century. Breuer had been educated at the Bauhaus in Germany in the 1920s, practiced architecture in London in the mid-1930s, and emigrated to the United States in 1937 at the behest of Walter Gropius to teach at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard and, in partnership with Gropius, to enter into private practice. After the end of the World War II Breuer left Harvard and established an independent and highly successful architectural practice in New York City. With an international team of partners he designed the Unesco Building in Paris; he was the architect of the HUD and HEW federal buildings in Washington, D.C., and of the Grand Coulee Dam Forebay in the state of Washington. The famed complex of Benedictine buildings in Collegeville, Minnesota is his work, as is the education wing of the Cleveland Museum of Art, the United States Embassy in The Hague, and several administrative and laboratory buildings for IBM. Breuer built schools, office buildings, libraries, sacred buildings, and a remarkable number of widely admired private residences. In 1968 he was the recipient of the Gold Medal given by the American Institute of Architects. In 1972-73 – the heyday of Late Modernism – Breuer’s stature was recognized, impressively, by the Metropolitan Museum of New York, New York’s premiere museum. The museum gave him the first one-man show of an architect in its 102 year history. They titled it “Marcel Breuer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” and mounted it in three galleries with a display of photo murals, architectural models, furniture, and tapestries. In its press release the Met referred to Breuer as “One of the 20th century’s most important and prolific architects, a major influence in American architecture and Design.” As recently as 2007 – more than a quarter century after his death — the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. installed a major exhibition entitled “Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture”, paying particular tribute to his brilliant career as a designer of furniture as well as buildings.
At the time of the initial campaign for the current Atlanta Library, Atlanta was described as “a city with a lot of buildings but not a lot of architecture.” Breuer’s Atlanta Library is unquestionably a work of “architecture.” Its heavy massing and concrete construction represent a mode of design and a material no longer in vogue in parts of this country. But Breuer had a particular interest in the sculptural potential of concrete in modern architecture, as he conceived architecture as sculpture. And concrete was a material that, at the time the Library project was underway, was very cost-effective for a public building.
Tastes change with regard to the appearance of buildings as they do for every cycle of creative activity. Concrete architecture of the 1970s is not at this moment universally appreciated. But to remove a significant modernist monument — important in and for its time and still satisfactorily fulfilling its original function to serve the community — designed by a major architect of historical importance and world renown, would be a serious civic blunder in the cultural history of Atlanta.
Isabelle Hyman (borrowed from the preservation main page, not to dilute the intent but to stir the heart to action)
If one can stand for one's beliefs in one's own region, why cannot one speak out to protect another? That is the justification for sticking my nose where it probably is not needed.
Resources:
All I wanted was an authentic Model-B3 chair (or a Knoll reproduction would be fine. Black leather please but I won't be picky) for xmas.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The feast and the famine part II - Fairfax International Generation Winners Announced
Also in the news (as of 2 weeks ago, I apologize but I have a hard time reading the PD's architecture column much anymore) the Cleveland Neighborhood of Fairfax recently announced their winner for the Fairfax Intergenerational Housing Competition with the prospect of actually building the dang thing.
What started off as a local/regional competition grew to include a national scope of entrants excited to tackle the challenge of responsible intergenerational (which indicates that grandparents are involved in the child rearing instead of the typical generational differences between parents and children? Fine, I don't need a semantic argument right now) and may be the first residential competition in the nation to specifically focus on a family dynamic where grandparents are primarily involved with child raising.
I don't know if there was a reception with food and wine. There may have been. I find those things integral to these sorts of receptions, I just know I wasn't invited to it and feel slightly snubbed. I am sure that the responsible parties will hear about this. Probably from me.
Regardless, in one month (or two weeks if you want) two major competitions were finalized in Cleveland, Ohio which is exciting to those of us in Cleveland, Ohio who want to be excited about, well, design in Cleveland, Ohio.
What started off as a local/regional competition grew to include a national scope of entrants excited to tackle the challenge of responsible intergenerational (which indicates that grandparents are involved in the child rearing instead of the typical generational differences between parents and children? Fine, I don't need a semantic argument right now) and may be the first residential competition in the nation to specifically focus on a family dynamic where grandparents are primarily involved with child raising.
I don't know if there was a reception with food and wine. There may have been. I find those things integral to these sorts of receptions, I just know I wasn't invited to it and feel slightly snubbed. I am sure that the responsible parties will hear about this. Probably from me.
Regardless, in one month (or two weeks if you want) two major competitions were finalized in Cleveland, Ohio which is exciting to those of us in Cleveland, Ohio who want to be excited about, well, design in Cleveland, Ohio.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The feast and the famine - Cleveland Design Competition Winners Reception
I honestly had no idea what to expect as I was attempting to discover the 78th Street Studios. I was searching for the 2008 Cleveland Design Competition Awards Ceremony in which I would not only get to hang out with B. Fink and M. Christoff a bit (the competition's organizers) but I would also get to see all 55 entrants to the competition based in Cleveland with the premise of promoting design solutions for local problems/issues. I pulled into a rather full parking lot, a beehive of activity, with flashlight armed parking directors motioning each new entering vehicle to a predetermined parking location. I was first amazed by the spectacle and remember thinking to myself as I found the public entry to the building that I was personally amazed that so many people were interested in design in the city. There had to be over 200 cars in the lot. I was sure the line at for the adult beverages, a staple at any reception, would be a rather tedious adventure. I lamented being 15 minutes late.
I became slightly confused when entering the large gathering space that the Competition reception had taken to be its temporary home for the evening. The boards suspended as if by magic in a labyrinth shaping the path and progress of the onlookers, providing slight nooks in the center of collective spaces for congregation and discussion and leaving a large area up front, undoubtedly for the awards presentation itself. The food table was vacant. The beverage table as well. In fact there looked to be about two dozen guests milling around where the boards were suspended intently studying the proffered designs. Where were the people to which belonged all the cars?
Bingo in the basement was the offered reply. I admit I was heartbroken. What more could any design oriented denizen of this town ask for? Free food and beverage (there was a suggested donation), some sharp conversation and a free show should be enough to bring out even the most cynical artist on the crisp night. Should be.
I admit, the gathering swelled in size. I couldn't offer a reasonable estimate as I was near the back and was more interested in looking for spelling errors in the presentation boards than attempting a reasonable head count. There were well over a hundred that showed up by the time the ceremony got under way which in some way made my heart feel warmer, or it was the wine and food from Luxe.
Regardless of whether or not anyone in this town cared, the Cleveland Competition was in some respects, a rousing success. It garnered international attention for a second time for our fair burg, got some local talent involved (which was nice to see some local honorable mentions with the international winners) and even gave some alternative insight to the rather complicated problem of Lake access from a auto-centric town (yes, we decided to barrier ourselves from our lake on both the east and west sides in order to fulfill the high priority of highway access).
I am already looking forward to next year's offerings and hope that my schedule will be of such that I can take part in a greater manner than just drinking their wine and eating their cheese. Congratulations to the Cleveland Design Competition folks.
I became slightly confused when entering the large gathering space that the Competition reception had taken to be its temporary home for the evening. The boards suspended as if by magic in a labyrinth shaping the path and progress of the onlookers, providing slight nooks in the center of collective spaces for congregation and discussion and leaving a large area up front, undoubtedly for the awards presentation itself. The food table was vacant. The beverage table as well. In fact there looked to be about two dozen guests milling around where the boards were suspended intently studying the proffered designs. Where were the people to which belonged all the cars?
Bingo in the basement was the offered reply. I admit I was heartbroken. What more could any design oriented denizen of this town ask for? Free food and beverage (there was a suggested donation), some sharp conversation and a free show should be enough to bring out even the most cynical artist on the crisp night. Should be.
I admit, the gathering swelled in size. I couldn't offer a reasonable estimate as I was near the back and was more interested in looking for spelling errors in the presentation boards than attempting a reasonable head count. There were well over a hundred that showed up by the time the ceremony got under way which in some way made my heart feel warmer, or it was the wine and food from Luxe.
Regardless of whether or not anyone in this town cared, the Cleveland Competition was in some respects, a rousing success. It garnered international attention for a second time for our fair burg, got some local talent involved (which was nice to see some local honorable mentions with the international winners) and even gave some alternative insight to the rather complicated problem of Lake access from a auto-centric town (yes, we decided to barrier ourselves from our lake on both the east and west sides in order to fulfill the high priority of highway access).
I am already looking forward to next year's offerings and hope that my schedule will be of such that I can take part in a greater manner than just drinking their wine and eating their cheese. Congratulations to the Cleveland Design Competition folks.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
2008 Cleveland Design Competition Reception
A few details on this year's Cleveland Design Competition awards reception...
What: 2008 Cleveland Design Competition Awards Reception and Exhibition
Where: 78th Street Studios, 1300 West 78th Street, Cleveland
When: Thursday, December 18th at 6:00pm (Awards presentation will begin at 7pm)
Earlier today, local and national jurors reviewed 55 design entries from Cleveland and around the world and selected winning submissions for an intergenerational playspace along the West 65th Street Tunnel in the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood. We are excited about the selected submissions - in all, there are many thoughtful and creative ideas for enhancing the bicycle path as it travels to Edgewater Park and in proposing the site as a place for children and adults alike to play.
Like last year, all submissions (55 entries this year) will be displayed for viewing between 6pm and 8pm or so. Light refreshments are being provided by a local restaurant, LUXE (www.luxecleveland.com) and the event is casual.
The exhibit space is in the 78th Street Studios (http://www.78streetstudios.com/ ) in a brick warehouse building (former American Greetings Creative Studios) on West 78th Street off of Lake Avenue. The 78th Street Studios website has helpful driving directions. Once on 78th Street, there will be sufficient lighting and wayfinding to find the exhibit entrance. Plenty of parking is available next to the entrance and there are only a few steps into the space.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Waterloo Holiday Shopping
Thanks to the folks at Music Saves for diligently keeping the rawk in the Cleveland.
...and don't forget the artscollinwood
Shop local. F'reals.
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland - December 2008
More local holiday shopping, oh the humanity!
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland
Saturday, December 15th, 2008
noon - 9pm
Sunday, December 16th, 2008
noon - 6pm
1300 W. 78th to 1305 W. 80th Street, Cleveland, Ohio
North Parking lot, North entrance, accessible from W. 78th or W 80th St.
DIY and Local Artists. How could you go wrong? I know I usually speak out against base consumerism but you know if you don't get your loved ones something you are going to feel like a SUCKER. Might as well try to make is special and personal. Besides this keeps money in your local community where it belongs.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tremont Art Walk - December 2008
Tremont Art Walk
Friday, December, 12th, 2008
Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio
6-10pm
What more would be a great holiday present but some local art from local artists? Especially when there is controversial pieces celebrating Cleveland's self loathing? Sure the weather is brisk and the days are short but it should be a great reason this season to really shop local and give one of a kind gifts to loved ones.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)