Constellation Center Cambridge

[Shepard]

Originally Posted by unterbau

Can't deny that, but there's a level of fantasy they are trying to create. an educational theme park if you will.

So I assume you'd agree with the statement "all renaissance architecture was (and remains) theme-park-ish."

[unterbau]

sigh

[Shepard]

I know. Sorry. But there has to be a better way to disntiguish Disneyland from renaissance architecture, or as another example, Victorian gargoyles - almost completely ornamental, recalling medieval gargoyles which were actually functional for roof drainage. Vague notions of "fantasy" (probably present in all great architecture) and "theme park" (unnecessarily derisive even when used to describe theme parks themselves!) don't cut that distinction well.

Perhaps I should revise what I said before... All architecture is marketing. But: Good architecture is not ALL marketing.

[bdurden]

Originally Posted by Shepard

Perhaps I should revise what I said before... All architecture is marketing. But: Good architecture is not ALL marketing.

All art is at once surface and symbol.

[unterbau]

I'm not talking about the specific type of architecture, I'm just referring to the use of historical architecture to create a theme. The same would go for IIT if they built an addition in the form of Miesian buildings or FSC built their additions as faux Wright buildings...

[statler]

What specifically is the deference between the 'faux' and the 'neo' classifications?

[Beton Brut]

Originally Posted by unterbau

]The same would go for IIT if they built an addition in the form of Miesian buildings or FSC built their additions as faux Wright buildings...

There are ways for architects to imaginatively interpret Mies's black I-beams or Wright's geometric precast concrete and remain true to the spirit of the original architects' vision. It's a far riskier proposition to interpret Georgian architecture without the entire enterprise degenerating into tasteless PoMo rubbish.

Originally Posted by statler

What specifically is the deference between the 'faux' and the 'neo' classifications?

Fit & Finish, statler: The Hotel Commonwealth is faux-French Second Empire; Spangler is Neo-Georgian.

[ablarc]

Originally Posted by Beton Brut

Fit & Finish, statler: The Hotel Commonwealth is faux-French Second Empire; Spangler is Neo-Georgian.

Though I agree Spangler is a much more tasteful building, I'm not sure you've captured the essence of the difference, BetonBrut. Spangler has the same industrial-waste suspended ceilings and the same cheapish detailing as many upmarket corporate buildings on Route 128. I give it a C, maybe a C+.

Depending on budget, Stern runs hot (15 Central Park West) and cold (Clarendon). But he's a pro: tell him the budget, and he'll tell you how good a building he can deliver.

[Beton Brut]

True enough, ablarc. The new urbanist work in Great Britain that you've posted here in the past (I forget the name of the firm) must surely deserve the "Neo" label, as the materials and details look unimpeachable.

On the topic of "Disney" architecture, a look at other disciplines might advance the discussion. Consider the value of authenticity and advancing the craft in your response:

• Tom Clancy or John Updike
• Sonny Rollins or Kenny G
• John Williams or Sofia Gubaidulina
• PJ Harvey or Christina Aguilera
• Steven Spielberg or David Lynch

Depending on your point of view, these are good or shitty questions.

Since there's more than a kernel of an interesting discussion, here's a better question:
If the guiding principal of Organic Architecture is a deep consideration of the surroundings, can approaches like Contextualism, Critical Regionalism, and even Historicism be viewed as an extension of Organic Architecture? Discuss.

[el raval]

First time I've read this board in months and have had to think... bravo!

If we can generate a serious discussion, perhaps we will become a better informed citizenry, and go on to demand a stimulating and well built environment from architects and the hacks at the BRA.

[statler]

Ok, what of "revival", i.e. colonial revival, classical revival, etc? Or does that only pertain to over-all trends rather than distinct styles?

[Beton Brut]

Originally Posted by briv

Some photos from the architect's site (Epstein Joslin Architects):

Yesterday, I attended my first concert in the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Visually and acoustically, it's stunning.

[czsz]

I'm glad, but you so got my hopes up that Constellation Center was moving forward.

[PaulC]

The latest letter from Constellation Center says that design work on the seven story building has accelerated and there will be five performance halls in a building with 231,000 sq ft of interior space.

They have the latest audio and video renderings on display at their acoustic laboratory for the public to view.

They plan to initiate a larger capital campaign soon.

Oddly the web site and the brochure that came with the letter still say four halls.

[whighlander]

Originally Posted by PaulC

The latest letter from Constellation Center says that design work on the seven story building has accelerated and there will be five performance halls in a building with 231,000 sq ft of interior space.

They have the latest audio and video renderings on display at their acoustic laboratory for the public to view.

They plan to initiate a larger capital campaign soon.

Oddly the web site and the brochure that came with the letter still say four halls.

Paul,

Does the newsletter say anything about the $$$$

While they have been making a website the somewhat venerable Opera Company of Boston has just announced it is cancelling its season and closing up shop -- citing poor fundraising results

[Ron Newman]

The opera company that just closed is 'Opera Boston', which is the smaller and less-established of Boston's two companies. Until a few years ago they were called 'Boston Academy of Music'.

The larger surviving company is Boston Lyric Opera.

'Opera Company of Boston' was Sarah Caldwell's company, and it closed in 1990.

[found5dollar]

^ well that sucks... i helped build a few of Opera Boston's sets.

[PR1014]

Has anyone heard a peep about progress with this?
Other than the site's use as an art parking lot.