Most often — as in much of Austin's skyline — the plot is thin or silly, the characters dull, the ideals crass. But sometimes, the drama hits home, provokes the shock of recognition, even if some plot twists might be less than convincing.
The new $56.7 million Austin City Hall is a dramatic building in the proper sense — drama, not spectacle. Spectacle says "look at me." Drama says "look at you." Granted, this drama is pretty spectacular, too.
The "you," in this case, is Austin itself, or more precisely its mythic self-image.
Jan 10, 05 9:16 pm ·
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I was back in Austin last week. After seeing this building I am still convinced that the city has no notable architecture. Remember, this is the same town that ran off Herzog and De Meuron because their museum design had a flat roof.
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pics.....
The new $56.7 million Austin City Hall is a dramatic building in the proper sense — drama, not spectacle. Spectacle says "look at me." Drama says "look at you." Granted, this drama is pretty spectacular, too.
The "you," in this case, is Austin itself, or more precisely its mythic self-image.
I was back in Austin last week. After seeing this building I am still convinced that the city has no notable architecture. Remember, this is the same town that ran off Herzog and De Meuron because their museum design had a flat roof.
i still don't understand predock's fame (either one)
his fame is as a skilled compositionalist.
good architecture but not transcendental.
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