Blinded by the Light

The October 15th issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education has a cover story about the pending renovation of the Aronoff Center at the University of Cincinnati, designed by well-known architect Peter Eisenman: "At Just 14, Iconic Building Raises Preservation Issues."

The article describes the sad saga of yet another building technology failure of a 'Starchitect's' monument.  Also mentioned for their alleged misdeeds on other campuses are Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry.

Having been involved in a system failure myself, I know that mitigating circumstances may have been outside the architect's control.  Nevertheless, the appearances are far from good.  What's going on here?

• In their zeal to patronize the 'Arts' and build enduring edifices, are owners losing sight of the liabilities inherent in their 'experiments'?
• Have the 'Starchitects' become so enamored of their sculptural design statements that they have neglected incorporation of sound technology into their practices?
• Because of design factors driving up construction costs, are compromises in construction being rationalized in attempts to restrain runaway budgets?

I suspect all the participants should be chided into doing better.

Uncle Miltie

Milton Glaser

The name is familiar to us, but  perhaps you can't recall why.  Possibly the most prolific visual artist ever, he might be best known for the creation of the I(heart)NY logo.

 

For more than 60 years, he has influenced our view of the world with an extraordinarily diverse oeuvre.

Now, if you know where to look, you might find showings of a 2009 documentary "Milton Glaser: To Inform and Delight".   I found it this past week on the Sundance Channel.

Consider his inspirations, the meanings behind, and the value of his work.  Consider too, that the path to importance and some fame is a consequence of both luck and commitment.

At least, I was informed and impressed.  How success can be replicated by talented designers remains an enigma, but his story is most entertaining.