tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post6468416866575479328..comments2023-10-02T08:28:06.724-05:00Comments on Ecology of Absence: Next Step: Parking Lot?Michael R. Allenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-61447714616885822462008-03-28T11:57:00.000-05:002008-03-28T11:57:00.000-05:00Can you provide me with an example of new construc...Can you provide me with an example of new construction (1990-present) in St. Louis that meets your standards? I am curious to understand if good architecture is even possible in this city's market.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-64912230676142969662008-03-21T16:29:00.000-05:002008-03-21T16:29:00.000-05:00Michael- Who is the architect of record for this f...Michael- Who is the architect of record for this fine project? I ask so I can snarkily bring it up the next time I have to sit through an evening of firm presentations.Andrew J. Faulknerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02903396697828145947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-16439124035905762402008-03-21T11:45:00.000-05:002008-03-21T11:45:00.000-05:00Count me among those who did not appreciate the ar...Count me among those who did not appreciate the arresting splendor of the Doctor's Building, but its replacement is a true horror. It is not so much "architecture" as it is "pretend architecture". It has a made-up, hodgepodge appearance, and not in an interesting, eclectic way. I think the CWE deserves better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-75364973286257603942008-03-19T13:59:00.000-05:002008-03-19T13:59:00.000-05:00Oh, thoroughly agree, as those who pressed Mies re...Oh, thoroughly agree, as those who pressed Mies regarding the dictum "form follows function" (largely attributed to Sullivan in the world of architecture) to ultimately admit that ornament and style were in fact also functions (of cultural association similar to music tonality) inextricable from the need for shelter will attest. It was Loos who declared that ornament was criminal decadence and therefore needless encumbrance, but nonetheless Mies as champion of minimalist modernism who answered for it. Anyway, I think the question I'm posing is whether we go without a base understanding of what is ornamentally or stylistically appropriate for a context(largely subjective) and risk disaffecting some urban enthusiasts, or do we try to agree to a base understanding of what is appropriate. Your post regarding this proposed building seems to reflect your opinion on its architectural value and not necessarily an indictment based upon some establish set of standards for what's appropriate. It's a tricky one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-42959915229093913102008-03-19T12:06:00.000-05:002008-03-19T12:06:00.000-05:00I don't think the issue is either/or -- form and s...I don't think the issue is either/or -- form and style are inexplicably tied. Form creates an urban experience, but stylistic elements determine whether or not a buildings is pleasing to the eye. People tend to like walking by and using pretty buildings, so aesthetics are not easily separated from matters of utility.Michael R. Allenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262548806079447404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-53105722396708070862008-03-19T11:56:00.000-05:002008-03-19T11:56:00.000-05:00I think a discussion regarding what it not only ur...I think a discussion regarding what it not only urban, but what is acceptably urban and whether or not matters such as architectural style should trump physical form is in order. Urban buildings not only shape urban spaces but the activity at the street level as well, and a building such as this will undoubtedly address these issues. This building certainly smacks of the usual offerings that appear in 'safer' locales such as the stretch of Kirkwood Ave through downtown Kirwood and further out in the county, but could certainly also have been much, much worse. Doug says the burden falls on us, but simple complaining in blogs ends up in the expected place.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-20896329405010728722008-03-19T11:15:00.000-05:002008-03-19T11:15:00.000-05:00New motto:Welcome to the new StLou!We can look li...New motto:<BR/>Welcome to the new StLou!<BR/>We can look like StChuck too!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-15999752374073205302008-03-19T00:40:00.000-05:002008-03-19T00:40:00.000-05:00Ok, build something on the surface lot and save th...Ok, build something on the surface lot and save the doctors building. How hard is that?<BR/><BR/>Design standards and zoning reform are essential so that crap like this won't be allowed. Aldermen have absolutely no incentive to push for such standards, as the system serves them and if they challenged it they would be replaced. The burden falls upon you.Doug Duckworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15684467055184767166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-14514656826960239992008-03-18T21:19:00.000-05:002008-03-18T21:19:00.000-05:00I think it depends on the materials. I swear to g...I think it depends on the materials. I swear to god they better not allow that fake stucco crap in the CWE. If this building was entirely made of stone and brick, and perhaps made a few fixes along the top two floors, I don't think it would be THAT terrible. There are far worse examples in the CWE. Look along Forest Park Parkway just east of Taylor. YIKES! Strip Mall, and two awful senior housing buildings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-15014186605389511352008-03-18T20:35:00.000-05:002008-03-18T20:35:00.000-05:00It's a tough call for me; the filling of a surface...It's a tough call for me; the filling of a surface lot in the CWE is certainly something to celebrate, but at what cost?Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08064334959354090683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-43341622688257400632008-03-18T19:44:00.000-05:002008-03-18T19:44:00.000-05:00Michael,You are an awesome writer, and make many i...Michael,<BR/><BR/>You are an awesome writer, and make many interesting observations. However, I suspect the architects behind this project would make many points in defense of their plan.<BR/><BR/>A question to anyone reading this...what if the development offers for sale condo units, and they bring upwards of $500,000 per copy?<BR/><BR/>Would such financial results, even during a low ebb in the realty market, indicate an overall success for this project?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8826793.post-78149454527844906532008-03-18T19:43:00.000-05:002008-03-18T19:43:00.000-05:00This rendering makes me want to cry.This rendering makes me want to cry.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07023273608621598775noreply@blogger.com