Shocking, just shocking...

[jducoeur]

The news of the day is that MIT is suing architect Frank Gehry, because -- shock, surprise -- it turns out that Stada Center is badly designed. I could have told them that years ago.

Yes, yes -- the problem isn't that the building is ugly, it's that it is actually disfunctional. But y'know, those aren't unrelated. The rules of architecture were developed for good reason, and casting them (not to mention common sense) aside in the name of Art is always a bit dangerous...

Comments

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Eh, what? Cite please? I'd be interested - very.

[dlevey.livejournal.com]

While I don't have a citation, I remember that story too when I was there. I also remember drawing up plans to take the place, just for fun and to prove that it could be done.

[rufinia.livejournal.com]

Oh, I like you.

[jducoeur]

As I mention in my other comment, that was also the way Usdan was explained to me at the time -- I'm somewhat surprised that you hadn't heard it, since it was "common knowledge" of everyone I knew. Could be folk legend, but it's plausible...

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

This may be relevant:
http://www.snopes.com/college/halls/riot.asp

[alexx-kay.livejournal.com]

Hmph. "unclassifiable veracity" At least some of these claims are falsifiable; I wish they'd get checked out.

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

I did a very quick Google search for Usdan and riot, but didn't find anything about building design. Of course, that's not conclusive.

[goldsquare.livejournal.com]

Don't recall hearing it then, nor now.

Plausible? I shouldn't think so, it was built long before student riots were much of an issue, and long before the Brandeis Administration offices were taken over in the late 60s. In which case, THAT would be the building I'd be concerned with defending.

Still, would love references.