"By now, plenty of articles have been written on the two major new constructions in Dallas's Arts District, Norman Foster's Winspear Opera House and REX's Wyly Theater. Far fewer words, however, have been dedicated to the District's outdoor spaces, which are the only parts of the complex that are always accessible to the public. In my own visit to the site, I was shocked to find that the project planners, too, seemed to have forgotten about these outdoor spaces."
"By now, plenty of articles have been written on the two major new constructions in Dallas's Arts District, Norman Foster's Winspear Opera House and REX's Wyly Theater. Far fewer words, however, have been dedicated to the District's outdoor spaces, which are the only parts of the complex that are always accessible to the public. In my own visit to the site, I was shocked to find that the project planners, too, seemed to have forgotten about these outdoor spaces."
jargon, etc. reports from Dallas.
2 Comments
ah - but human-scaled outdoor spaces that would encourage activity are often the least appealing in renderings - they would destroy the objet d'art nature of the buildings - besides you're really only meant to experience the site zooming virtually from above. next time, bring your helicopter.
of course people in renderings are always endlessly strolling aimlessly across vast fields and spaces - which would generally only occur during events that attract zombies. the author seems relatively cogent, so I'm sure if he turned into a zombie he might appreciate the unobstructed openness a little more.
so true toasteroven.
the other day i was at a kaiser permanente hospital in west la. on venice blvd. a typical corporate courtyard space with no big deal architectural thrills etc.. it was a beautiful space with a lot of people in it. the light was beautiful and to my liking, they set up organic farmers market right there in hospital on certain days of the week (how's that for a public education on nutrition?)
it is the people who makes the architecture work when it comes to public space. who cares about renderings when all they do is lie most of the time.
that courtyard space in the hospital would never make it to any high style design publications but it miraculously made its way to people's lives in a most beautiful way.
on the other hand, one of the worst public space is new addition to los angeles county museum by renzo piano. a space mostly used for fund raising events with tons of security guards making you feel you don't belong there if you are not quickly trans-passing the area.
these issues are much more complex and call for detailed articles of sort talking about; from privatization of art and culture to control of who can benefit from these activities and who they really belong to.
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