Libeskind's Plan For Civic Center
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Libeskind unveiled his plans for revitalizing Civic Center, and I have to say, I think it's garish in its modernity. The successful juxtaposition of Modern and Classic elements in architecture, is a tricky balancing act, and I think his plan fails miserably. It seems disjointed next to the existing Beaux Arts design.
Denver Infill has the best images of the plan.
I like his design for the Art Museum extension, but his Museum Residences next door, are butt ugly. They look like modern 'project'-type buildings. If they approve his plan, that whole area is going to be one funky, angular vision.
Libeskind unveiled his plans for revitalizing Civic Center, and I have to say, I think it's garish in its modernity. The successful juxtaposition of Modern and Classic elements in architecture, is a tricky balancing act, and I think his plan fails miserably. It seems disjointed next to the existing Beaux Arts design.
Denver Infill has the best images of the plan.
I like his design for the Art Museum extension, but his Museum Residences next door, are butt ugly. They look like modern 'project'-type buildings. If they approve his plan, that whole area is going to be one funky, angular vision.
posted by Big Daddy at
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Denver
4 Comments:
I was a little worried about the design at first - but now seeing it - I actually love the juxtaposition of the Beaux Arts pavilions and Libeskind's crystaline forms. I think the water feature is a bit much for an area with water concerns - but I like the idea of using the grounds as a sculptural landscape element (instead of dead grass). The bridge does little to detract views and provides a great opportunity to link downtown through the civic center park. Colfax at the moment is the great divide that I feel creates a vehicular chasm between downtown and everthing south of Colfax. I think Libeskind's design goes beyond being something utilitarian and becomes a rather iconic statement for the park without destroying any of the historic elements.
Noooooooooooo! No more Liebskind. If I had a say, I'd stick with the Neoclassical stuff. That never goes out of style. I think Liebskind's designs are going to date it to this period. It's like the name Ethel. It was really cool in 1910...but by 1970, Ethel was an old lady's name.
Unk - enough with bowing down to the neoclassical bullshit!! Its been out of vogue since the Chicago Worlds Fair.
One word letitgo!
What are we to do next, start wearing togas.
Architecture is not stagnant and neither is society. Things come and go. The Civic Center is great - I agree, the area is a great example of the Beaux Arts influence - but I dont think we need to bow down to the style. If the Civic Center is remodeled (and I think it should be) then it should be done in a way that anything that is added to the park can be easily modified, removed, or repaired - thats the montra of of the National Park Serice and Historic Preservationists. Liebskind is not removing anything from the park or altering any of the structures. I say go for it. Let time tell whether or not Liebskind dates himself.
I think the fact that Denver is doing all it can to try to make Civic Center unique is really cool... however, one of the things I like best about Civic Center is the classic architecture. I agree with James, it never goes out of style, esp. for a grand capitol. In 30 years it will still be grand... can you say the same for "modern?"
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