Barack Obama still has two long years left to cement his legacy as something between “yes we can” and “at least I tried”. Regardless of how history remembers him, Obama will always represent a shift from the old guard, an idealistic starting point for what (and who) future presidents could be. For now, though, his official museum, his keeper of secrets: couldn’t that still be a tangible change we can believe in? At least an architectural one? — theguardian.com
10 Comments
Oh, the metaphors abound!
The other proposals are just as open to interpretation although not as rife with possibility.
"Guardian US Opinion asked four award-winning, firm-founding architects..."
These are really awful. They say more about the state of architecture in the US than Pres. Obama.
What in the hell did I just look at.
Terrible.
I'd like to see Steven Holl design this, as he is good at general metaphorical-abstract uplift. I find it a bit offensive that everyone implies David Adjaye should do it.
Here's an idea: renovate an old building on the Southside with super cool interiors.
wow. I'm speechless. these are all really bad. I guess if I had to choose...the Columbia one is the most interesting (which is basically like saying grilled cheese is more interesting than pbj...)
Perfect
Um, the article must be some kind of British humor and maybe a joke about American design sensibilities which I didn't get. They asked 4 random firms with no particular connection to libraries, public monuments or "high design" to spend 20-30 minutes sketching an idea.
What do they mean "the country’s 21 versions of the presidential library are all rather traditional"? Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, LBJ and Clinton all have respectable modern designs - though admittedly only Clinton's is interesting.
The rest (since Nixon) are all ugly in their own special ways - which maybe suits those presidents. Reagan's looks like the ranch house version of a stretch Hummer, and Ford's like a car dealership.
Anyway, Obama should do what he always does and ask his staff to figure this out for him. Build 3 half-libraries and put the best 2 together.
"In honor of the First Lady, all four proposals will include a well-designed cafeteria where nothing delicious will be served --only healthy, taste-free snacks."
Miles sounds jealous.
Paul Preissner's 'entry' is the only one with a relevant concept. Looks like he didn't really have time to work in any windows, though
I like...
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.