[JRJR Networks] is eager to shed itself of the big basket, but that may not be easy. What non-basket-related company will want a giant basket to be the face of their company? Are there enough well-off eccentrics in or visiting Newark to convert it into market-rate apartments or a boutique hotel?...A deal to donate the building to the city no longer appears to be in the works, and foreclosure is a possibility. — CityLab
A few throwbacks related to weird architecture in Archinect news:
The politics behind China's ban on "weird" architecture
Movie-themed resort in Macau to show off "figure-8" ferris wheel
Southwark planners nix 'crude and literal' rocket-shaped flats
10 Comments
I'm feeling surprisingly emotional about this.
Yes... considering how many millions work inside giant boxes of glass, it seems like a basket would definitely be a step up.
Disappointing reporting from CityLab: no credit to NBBJ!?
Novelty Buildings.
SMDH.
I mean novelty buildings are generally silly and not attractive in a traditional sense, but this one is just so placid. It's non-aggressive; it's not a giant bat or chicken or anything. It's calming. The handles are even in a calm stance, patiently waiting to be picked up.
Can someone GIF it?
Wait just a minute, Donna... did you say a giant bat or chicken?
...To the drawing board!
Echo the sentiment on NBBJ, took a risk with little reward.
Know Longaberger history very well, visit “The Basket” every time while in Columbus, was there in the fall and got 2 shots…the second is even more fun and well executed, taken at the site where they are moving about 30 min. away…a failed visitor center next to their factory in Dresden, Ohio. The company is a prime example of an idea run amuck by too much cash. A heartbreaking story of a craft turned corporate, full of scandal & intrigue at the end. The Longaberger’s were heart and soul rural Ohio cast aside for greed…now run by soulless investors counting numbers.
To understand the building one would need to understand the history of Dave Longaberger, a little boy who stuttered and found his way…then it doesn’t become such a “novelty”…but becomes “honesty” and more than just a “building” but more of an American “dream”.
This is a great price of design work, and it deserves recognition and protection.
The crisis of the genre ...
Give it to the land bank and tear it down. It's not such a great 'duck' to begin with.
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