167 replies to this topic

[Skyliner]

I'm curious about the apparent change of surface material on Reedy View Drive.

[GvilleSC]

Skyliner, on 21 January 2012 - 09:22 PM, said:

I'm curious about the apparent change of surface material on Reedy View Drive.

By the look of it, probably pervious pavers. But, it could just be a use of creative license to visually connect the river with the new center... I don't know.

[scgubers]

According to here Reedy Square could break ground late this year. http://www.greenvill...state.net/blog/

[mallguy]

Greenville, on 21 January 2012 - 09:19 AM, said:

I don't know if I like this design. While I'm glad it isn't the standard brick and glass theme, I hope that the originality they are aiming for doesn't stand out in a bad way. This building should be unique and a landmark, for sure - but in a positive way. I'm hoping this grows on me.

I don't.  It's a fish out of water.  Another City Hall or W. Washington Post Office.

Most downtown architecture is more traditional, and it should blend in with that style.  I find Riverplace to be attractive, for example.

[melville]

Booooo!
It's comments like that which holds back the potential of Greenville.  We're in the unique position to have some thought provoking architecture (in a small town) but if folks can't open up to the idea of progression than we will be stuck in "ho-hum" America.

[mallguy]

melville, on 25 February 2012 - 02:05 PM, said:

Booooo!
It's comments like that which holds back the potential of Greenville.  We're in the unique position to have some thought provoking architecture (in a small town) but if folks can't open up to the idea of progression than we will be stuck in "ho-hum" America.

Whatever.  Let Cesar Pelli or Daniel Liebeskind do a provocative piece to his heart's content and I'll go for it; it'll likely be a visionary showplace of a building.  Otherwise, it's the next 1970s City Hall.

ETA: McAlister Square, the Daniel Building, that post office on West Washington Street and more were "progression" back in the day.

Edited by mallguy, 25 February 2012 - 03:47 PM.

[GvilleSC]

mallguy, on 25 February 2012 - 03:38 PM, said:

Whatever.  Let Cesar Pelli or Daniel Liebeskind do a provocative piece to his heart's content and I'll go for it; it'll likely be a visionary showplace of a building.  Otherwise, it's the next 1970s City Hall.

ETA: McAlister Square, the Daniel Building, that post office on West Washington Street and more were "progression" back in the day.

If you're going to critique a building's design, maybe you could provide a basis for your bashing. Simply not being traditional/classical/etc design does not count.

I see nothing wrong with City Hall. At least it's not Boston's.

Edited by GvilleSC, 25 February 2012 - 03:57 PM.

[mallguy]

GvilleSC, on 25 February 2012 - 03:56 PM, said:

If you're going to critique a building's design, maybe you could provide a basis for your bashing. Simply not being traditional/classical/etc design does not count.

I see nothing wrong with City Hall. At least it's not Boston's.

As I posted, I'm fine with first-tier architects giving something thought-provoking a go.  A progressive building or other work of art that sets its field on a new course is worth having; for example, Bauhaus and Art Deco changed architecture (and more), and the Impressionists changed painting, as their designs set new standards.  I may not be a fan of Bauhaus, or particularly Art Deco, but the first examples of those types set architecture on a new course and would be worth having.

I'm also fine with a building whose scale fits in with its surroundings, even if the design doesn't match.  I.M. Pei's pyramid at the Louvre, for example, isn't traditional but it has appropriate scale for its surroundings.

Reedy Square has none of these characteristics.  There is nothing sufficiently novel about it; its design doesn't match downtown; its scale doesn't match the area; etc.

Greenville's City Hall is ugly.  Boston's is worse, however.

[GvilleSC]

mallguy, on 25 February 2012 - 04:17 PM, said:

Reedy Square has none of these characteristics.  There is nothing sufficiently novel about it; its design doesn't match downtown; its scale doesn't match the area; etc.

The first part of your post made sense. But, everything went out the window when you shared this comment.

Jeanne Gang is considered a rising "first tier" architect to everyone who is in the field of architecture or follows the profession. To have TWO of her "early" works in Greenville is going to be a gem!

As far as scale is concerned, I have no idea how you can call it out of scale for its surroundings. Care to elaborate?

[citylife]

This might sound kind of harsh but here it goes-

Personally, I think it's fantastic looking. Much better than the crap the local architects have designed around here recently. It not matching the rest of the architecture in downtown Greenville is what makes it a great project in my opinion. I'm sick of seeing brick buildings with round elements on the end getting built. i.e. Terrace at Riverplace, Hampton Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott.

Thank goodness for Studio Gang and 4240 to save us from the same old stuff over and over again. Oh and those companies I just named are ranked as two of the best architecture firms in the country. They have both won numerous prestigious awards for their projects. Everything from Aqua Tower with Studio Gang to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge with 4240.

Edited by citylife, 25 February 2012 - 06:04 PM.

[scgubers]

citylife, on 25 February 2012 - 05:54 PM, said:

Personally, I think it's fantastic looking. Much better than the crap the local architects have designed around here recently. It not matching the rest of the architecture in downtown Greenville is what makes it a great project in my opinion. I'm sick of seeing brick buildings with round elements on the end getting built. i.e. Terrace at Riverplace, Hampton Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott.

Thank goodness for Studio Gang and 4240 to save us from the same old stuff over and over again. Oh and those two companies I just named are ranked as some of the best architecture firms in the country. They have both won numerous prestious awards for their projects. Everything from Aqua with Studio Gang to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge with 4240.

I completely agree. Beyond that Reedy Square will not be within sight from Main Street so it will not detract from the buildings there. It is in my opinion, a revolutionary piece of architecture that will strangely compliment its neighbor Linky Stone Park. A park that also slightly rejects the averageness of Greenville design. I think Reedy Square along with the One Development are bringing the amazing modern designs of ICAR into the city center. A huge plus.

[Skyliner]

citylife, on 25 February 2012 - 05:54 PM, said:

[…]brick buildings with round elements on the end getting built.

Do you realize how bland/generic and boxy these buildings would appear without their signature cylindrical elements?  From the ground they are more attractive with these features.  More importantly however, they provide opportunities for more attractive interior space, views included.  Downtown needs more curves and angles, in my opinion.

[scgubers]

Skyliner, on 25 February 2012 - 09:26 PM, said:

Do you realize how bland/generic and boxy these buildings would appear without their signature cylindrical elements?

But does that "cylindrical element" always have to be a plate in the sky? I don't think so. Its like Greenville is preparing for a massive UFO landing or something, sheeesh.

[Skyliner]

scgubers (edited by Skyliner), on 25 February 2012 - 10:36 PM, said:

But does that cylindrical element always have to include a plate-like cap on top? I don't think so.

I edited your post to reflect the more accurate question.  Cylinders and discs are two different shapes.  I'd love to see something more dynamic than a flat rooftop (or rooftop element) for a change.

[Skyliner]

Skyliner, on 26 February 2012 - 12:07 AM, said:

I'd love to see something more dynamic than a flat rooftop (or rooftop element) for a change.

Something dome-shaped, conical, pyramidal, or even atypical would be great.  The only notable change from the monotony of flat tower rooftops in downtown is the standard gable roof on the Poinsett Plaza building.

[scgubers]

Skyliner, on 26 February 2012 - 12:27 AM, said:

Something dome-shaped, conical, pyramidal, or even atypical would be great.  The only notable change from the monotony of flat tower rooftops in downtown is the standard gable roof on the Poinsett Plaza building.

I agree with you. Different shapes are wonderful. But you were defending the plates in the sky and then changed it to ". . . dome shaped, conical, pyramidal, or even atypical . . ." Not cool, so I'll edit your post for you.

Skyliner, on 25 February 2012 - 09:26 PM, said:

Edited by scgubers.
Do you realize how bland/generic and boxy these buildings would appear without their signature cylindrical elements (AKA plates in the sky)?  

Because the only "signature cylindrical elements" around here are . . . plates in the sky.

Edited by scgubers, 26 February 2012 - 02:53 PM.

[Skyliner]

No, I did not defend the "plates in the sky." Those are shaped like discs, not cylinders.  You misinterpreted my quote.  I like the cylindrical elements, not necessarily the large, disc-shaped caps placed on top ("plates in the sky").

[gsupstate]

Love the architecture myself.  Sadly, it will fail to be appreciated by a good number of country local yocals.

[vicupstate]

The Journal has an article on Reedy Square.  The New Market tax Credits will be used to fund about $4.5mm of the project. The private fundraising goal is $10mm of which about $2mm has been pledged so far.  The city and county will pay the balance of the $23.5 million budget.

The operating budget is being fleshed out now as well.

[GvilleSC]

I believe it also stated that they hope to open in 2015...