The initial responses of some local architects to the arena drawings were underwhelming.
While cautioning that the renderings are preliminary, Seattle architect and critic Mark Hinshaw said some of the views of the proposed arena seem like "boxes with a tight lid" that could be any number of public buildings.
"One thing that seems missing is any kind of dramatic roof expression that we have seen with a number of landmark buildings — particularly ones that involve large audiences.
— seattletimes.com
7 Comments
U-G-L-Y, you aint got no alibi, you ugly.
The difference between proposed public city architecture in the US and the rest of the world is staggering these days (outside of museums). It makes me really worry about the cultural heritage we are leaving for the future. For 490 million dollars they should be able to get something better than what looks to be a brick facade. This looks like a low budget school gymnasium.
while i like that an arena can be an embedded urban building instead of the swoopy virtuoso form-experiments we usually see, this one is - so far - in some purgatory between conventional arena-form and bland tasteful corporate box.
the stepped, canopied approach plaza could make an exciting urban living room of sorts. the high canopies provide some protection but - more than that - if they're kept light, could be a bright expression of 'umbrella' on a gray drizzly day.
unfortunately, overall, it comes out looking like some downtown convention centers where the approach is developed but the sides under-considered. the long street side doesn't look like something which would foster sidewalk activity. it appears to be the *goal*, but it's undercooked. while i'm sure there is, quantitatively, a lot of opening, the expression of this side says closed.
i'm possibly more for this than against. a new urban model for the arena-type is welcome because they're usually so disruptive of the streetscape. i'm looking forward to see how it evolves.
Looks like an Atari battle tank from the 70s...
Actually, it looks like a half-baked student project. I was entirely unsurprised to find out this thing was designed by a midwest firm with no experience in Seattle. It looks like it would be at home in Wichita or Dubuque, but not here. What on earth were they thinking? The Downtown DRB is going to crucify them.
At first I thought is was in downtown Fresno,CA.
damn thats on whack ass building.
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