Burning Heat Rays! Twisted Metal!

Courtesy of Ezra Klein, the LAT notes a few changes ahead for the Walt Disney Concert Hall:

Construction crews are set to take hand sanders to some of the shimmering stainless-steel panels that have wowed tourists and architecture lovers but have baked neighbors in condominiums across the street.

Beams of sunlight reflected from portions of the hall have roasted the sidewalk to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, enough to make plastic sag, cause serious sunburn to people standing on the street and create a hazard to passing motorists, according to a report from a consultant hired by the county to investigate the problem.

Hilarity. I read this story in the NYT a while back, which outlines the functional complaints that have diminished several key buildings, but I don't mind seeing it repeated. One common complaint that I read is that the extraordinary resources required to make Gehry's mathematical modeling work limits the firm's ability to make lateral moves with respect to design; i.e., all his work looks the same. But to be honest, I'm less concerned about the style-substance issue at hand than I am disappointed that Gehry has become the lowest common denominator in American architecture. Can't very well blame Gehry for the lack of diversity in new, important architecture awards, sure, but it doesn't make me feel any more comfortable with Gehrification.

Posted by Kriston at March 7, 2005 12:20 AM