J. King takes on Zaha Hadid's CAC in Cincinnati, after the shine wears off. "And this would-be icon stands as a cautionary tale: In an age when celebrity architects are courted by cities and institutions desperate to make a splash, brand-name buzz can fade quicker than a fresh coat of paint." After the buzz disappears, so do the crowds | discuss | earlier
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I thought this article was somewhat unfair. I have visited the CAC several times and it's a building I end up liking more everytime. I have come to be less bothered by its awkward moments, like the top floor strip window from which you get an awesome view of...the roofing of the curatorial wing. King argues that this building, despite being a marquee project for Cinc, has done little to attract crowds downtown. Last summer I was there and the video art show was very well-attended. I don't agree with King that the lobby curve wall would go unnoticed if it hadn't been flaunted by all the critics. It's impossible to overlook it. The staircase in that building is spectacular, yet poorly detailed. King also points out how dumpy it's neighboring buildings are, as if this project should have somehow ameliorated that condition. It would be impossible and one can only hope that the area will improve. The most salient point King chooses not to mention is how Hadid's project is one of many more buildings by starchitects in Cincinnati. The university campus will soon have a new Tschumi project, and y'all know about the latest Morphosis. The campus design by Hargreaves is also commendable. What was my point? Well, ultimately, you could fault other towns for being more committed to marquee starchitecture than truely good design, but not Cincinnati.
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