Salt Lake:Official development news thread

[millhouse]

Originally Posted by delts145

Museum to mimic Utah's landscape

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700226474,00.html


An artist's conception depicts the west elevation of the new Utah Museum of Natural History. (Polshek Partnership Architects LLP And GSBS Architects)

The new Utah Museum of Natural History at the Rio Tinto Center will be nestled along the shoreline of the ancient Lake Bonneville in the University of Utah's Research Park. It is intended to mimic the landscape. Construction begins this summer.

Polshek Partnership Architects LLP of New York City and Salt Lake City-based Gillies Stransky Brems Smith Architects are hoping the facility they have designed will have minimal disruptions to the natural environment — while still preserving popular running and hiking trails nearby.

.

The earthwork takeoff on this was a bitch. It took nearly three weeks to complete.

[RFPCME]

Originally Posted by urbane

Agreed, I think the design is mediocre at best. It is not accessible by anything but car (or bus). It could have easily been built in a more urban area. But Utahn's always choose new over old, including new undeveloped foothills over older established areas. Lets let the mountains be the mountains and the city be the city. If the building is required to blend in to the landscape maybe it shouldn't be there at all. Making it blend in seems like an apology. I think a building like this should be a proud statement, not something that blends in to the landscape so that it goes unnoticed.

Pretty sad.

Urbane: Maybe I missed something, but I thought this is a "Natural History Museum" at the University of Utah. Considering the collection of minerals, crystals, dinosaurs, et. al at the current museum, I think the placement makes sense, right on the ancient Lake Bonneville Shoreline. If I remember correctly, I think the Wasatch Fault is quite a bit below (west) of that location as well. So I don't think there is an earthquake argument against the location.

If ever there were a development that makes sense to locate it outside of the SL CBD, this one seems like it. I like the design too, reminiscent of its neighbor, Red Butte Gardens.

I don't think the design is dated at all. It does reflect the sweeping landscapes and colors of Utah. And I don't it see mirroring the strange angles of the late works of Frank Lloyd Wright, such as the Stormquist home in Bountiful, which would be dated.

Maybe my tastes are just bad.

[urbane]

Originally Posted by RFPCME

Urbane: Maybe I missed something, but I thought this is a "Natural History Museum" at the University of Utah. Considering the collection of minerals, crystals, dinosaurs, et. al at the current museum, I think the placement makes sense, right on the ancient Lake Bonneville Shoreline. If I remember correctly, I think the Wasatch Fault is quite a bit below (west) of that location as well. So I don't think there is an earthquake argument against the location.

If ever there were a development that makes sense to locate it outside of the SL CBD, this one seems like it. I like the design too, reminiscent of its neighbor, Red Butte Gardens.

I don't think the design is dated at all. It does reflect the sweeping landscapes and colors of Utah. And I don't it see mirroring the strange angles of the late works of Frank Lloyd Wright, such as the Stormquist home in Bountiful, which would be dated.

Maybe my tastes are just bad.

You're tastes are not bad.

My main grievance with this is accessibility. Does anyone know where the nearest TRAX station is? It seems as though most people will be forced to drive here. There are so many areas of town even outside the CBD that would financially benefit from this development. I am sure the State could work out a financially beneficial way of using the land in another way. I don't think they even considered other sites.

I don't like architecture that imitates something natural in such a literal way.
I don't expect everyone to agree and I don't expect anyone to apologize for liking it.

[delts145]

While I do very much like the design of the building and am of the opinion that the copper in particular will translate very attractively, I would have to agree with you Urbane regarding the accessibility. While there is a TRAX station at the University, it is a fair distance to walk.

However, given the theme of the Red Butte Gardens and their emergence as a preeminent national site, and how it will all tie in together with the Natural History Museum, This is the Place State Park and the Hogle Zoo, I will not fault the planners too much. It has been a long standing plan for this corner of the city for many many years now to group these institutions in this vicinity. Frankly, I would like to see the University of Utah continue to become an ever more integral part of downtown Salt Lake.

[T-Mac]

Here's a photo from today of the newest Gateway building plus a little bonus shot.

[WASDEN]

Originally Posted by delts145

Museum to mimic Utah's landscape

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700226474,00.html


An artist's conception depicts the west elevation of the new Utah Museum of Natural History. (Polshek Partnership Architects LLP And GSBS Architects)

The new Utah Museum of Natural History at the Rio Tinto Center will be nestled along the shoreline of the ancient Lake Bonneville in the University of Utah's Research Park. It is intended to mimic the landscape. Construction begins this summer.

Polshek Partnership Architects LLP of New York City and Salt Lake City-based Gillies Stransky Brems Smith Architects are hoping the facility they have designed will have minimal disruptions to the natural environment — while still preserving popular running and hiking trails nearby.

.

Ahh- now I know what it is! Its like a stake center from the 1970s got together with the South Towne Expo center and produced an offspring- one fugly piece! Spitting image of them right down to the nasty expanse of parking lot out front. Believe me the scrub oak spread that graces one of my favorite jogging trails DOES NOT want to be covered with that!

I'm not against the addition of a museum by any means- it just doesn't want to be ugly. Covering unique landscapes with blah architecture is all too much Utah's "natural" history.

[Orlando]

Who are you to judge that it is blah architecture? Wait until you see it built. It will be spectacular! This firm does incredible work. It is the right location for that building, too.

[DMTower]

I'm not reading 1970's at all when I look at that... it's asymmetrical and the shapes are abstract as opposed to 1970's geometric. The only beef that I have is it is a drive-only destination... way out of the way of any mass transit.

[delts145]

Agreed DMTower. I am like Wasden, first and foremost a lover of great architectural treasures like the City Hall. However, I do like to see a variety of styles being built in Salt Lake. Again, I think this museum will be a great addition to the Capital. The Copper sheathing as I understand it will translate in to a great work of art. I think it is virtually impossible to capture this final design and materials in a rather simplistic rendering.

[Scraperdude801]

no matter how you slice it, surface parking doesn't fit well into the landscape.


I am with Wasden on this one. It just isn't my cup of tea. I understand that there are a lot of attractions in the foothill area of the university, but I don't like it. ... I don't like that it isn't by transit. To me it just looks like the architect drew it with the ugly stick.

[Comrade]

To me, it looks like the Echo Base on Hoth, but not made out of snow.

This is the best image I could find, made of legos.

[ski_steve]

The Location is only about one mile from the Fort Douglas Trax stop. Its not right at the station, but its not really an incredible distance. I would walk to it any day. I think some people just need to get off their butts and walk to it. Campus shuttles go right though that area. So its not that its not accessible, its just not to people who are WAY to lazy and expect to walk two steps from there car or across the street from mass transit.

No one wants to walk more than a few hundred feet in todays society. Hence the reason for all the parking lots that we are plagued with. Some people just need to get it in there minds that its good to walk a bit and wont kill them.

I think the location is great! Its right up at the dorms, the research park, near trails, sports, the mountains, Red Butte Gardens,This is the Place monument, and the zoo.

IMO

[WASDEN]

Originally Posted by Orlando

Who are you to judge that it is blah architecture? Wait until you see it built. It will be spectacular! This firm does incredible work. It is the right location for that building, too.

Funny how Museum designs are always met with mixed reviews. From the rendering I don't doubt that there will be incredible interior spaces, but if they must cover that natural, beautiful site with a Natural History Museum, seems like the design should make more of an attempt to flow outward, fusing the interior with the exterior naturescape. This thing looks like its trying to protect you from those very elements like a bomb shelter. And think of the stunning views of the valley you could have from that location, I see few if any windows in the rendering that would take this into account. Really the exterior just isn't anything exciting or striking. A lot of people would say the Skidmore, Owings and Merrill firm does incredible work, but look at 222 South Main. No doubt it will be cool to add another tower to the skyline, but that building could have been so much more. So who am I to judge? Just some punk with an opinion. And if I had it my way the museum would spare the very landscapes it is trying to showcase, hide what parking is necessary underground, and boast an exterior design that would make folks giddy to check out the inside.

Best case scenario it would also be made out of legos.

[jedikermit]

Originally Posted by WASDEN

Best case scenario it would also be made out of legos.

LOL! Now we're talking!

[Scraperdude801]

I am still standing by my position that is too far from transit. Just because people should walk, doesn't mean they will walk that far. Considering that alot of Salt Lake is comprised of faamilies I find it highly unlikely some mom will drag her eight children on a mile walk from the train and then a mile back, BUT maybe that mother would take her children on the train if the walk was a matter of a block or two.

... for the record. I don't own a car and haven't for a year and a half out of choice. I live in DT and walk everywhere I need and want to go. ... I know what it is to walk, but I also know what the reality is when you have a family. ... The distance form trax is only half why I dislike it. I think it just looks like a big piece of shit. I think it is a horrible attempt at blending with the landscape. ...No I am not an architect, but I'm opinionated and have a right to one.

[RFPCME]

Originally Posted by T-Mac

Here's a photo from today of the newest Gateway building plus a little bonus shot.

T-Mac: I LOVE that picture of the old Wells Fargo building with the reflection of the Walker Center in the glass. Well done!

[delts145]

I was thinking that T-Mac is developing quite the artistic touch. Before we know it we'll have to go to a gallery exhibition to see his work.

[RFPCME]

Originally Posted by urbane

You're tastes are not bad.

My main grievance with this is accessibility. Does anyone know where the nearest TRAX station is? It seems as though most people will be forced to drive here. There are so many areas of town even outside the CBD that would financially benefit from this development. I am sure the State could work out a financially beneficial way of using the land in another way. I don't think they even considered other sites.

I don't like architecture that imitates something natural in such a literal way.
I don't expect everyone to agree and I don't expect anyone to apologize for liking it.

Urbane: My tastes are pretty weird. What I like in one location, I dislike in another. And I may be the only reader of this forum who dislikes the Ken Garff building.

You're absolutely correct about the access problem with the proposed site. It's an issue. I hope City transportation planners hook the museum site and Red Butte Garderns up with regular bus service...which may be an oxymoron. Maybe there is a better option.

I also think your right about the above ground, surface parking. It's a shame to see a wonderful public landmark like the proposed museum defaced by parking. You'd think for $100M-plus the parking solution would be better.

I also agree that architecture that tries to emulate nature is risky. It will be very interesting to see how well the building succeeds.

[SLC Projects]

Time for a rant....

Why do I feel that downtown SLC is very car unfriendly. Can't park here, Can't park there. If you park here at this place you have to stay on the lot or that's a $80.00 ticket. ( That happen to me once ) Bah Bah Bah....
So When I was in downtown the other day taking some photos of the projects I get a parking ticket. I was parked on South Temple right on the side of the street next to that big parking lot just across the Street from the Salt Palace. Parking there is free for two hours. I was there for no longer then one hour. When I get back I see a nice pink and yellow ticket on my car. WTF? So I take a look at it and it's not that I park wrong in any way, but they got me down with my Plates being 12 days past due. ( I needed to get one of those new stickers for my Plate. ) "Are you fucking kidding me?" I said to myself after reading my ticket. Writing me up when I'm 12 days past due?....12 days. It's not like I went on for months without it. You know it's one thing if I wasn't parked right and have these rent-a-cops write me up for that and then noticing my plates. But come on there was no reason to even for him or her to be around my car since I was parked right. Wow are these people really that fucking bored when they go out to each and every car and walk around it just to try to find something wrong.
Well sorry since I would of gotten that taken care of sooner, but since the valley only has TWO DMV locations and these guys are only open 9-5 Monday-Friday. With the exception of the South Jordan office that is open Saturday mornings from 8-noon. And since I and most people work a 9-5 job Monday-Friday then it makes it kind of hard. I know alot of people including my wife who had to take half a day off work with no pay just to get that crap taken care off. Plus when you do get to the DMV then you have to take a number and wait four fucking hours to get you shit done.
Case and point....The state makes it hard for people like us to get these things done, but yet you HAVE otherwise they ticket the hell out of you. This state is a JOKE! With as much people moving in every day the state really needs to built more of these DMVs and be open when people get off work.
Anyway on Saturday I finally had some time to go get my new $150.00 sticker for my plate. $150.00 for a damn sticker that everyone has to get every year.
Sorry I don't mean to cry over something that everyone has to do. But you know it's just stupid that the state has to make something that you think would be simple into a big pain in the ass.
Well my ticket came to $20.00. I would of been better of if my meter expired or if I parked at a Angle since those tickets are $10.00.
And don't even try to fight it. You can't beat city hall or the state. For them all they care about is MONEY, MONEY MONEY. And it seems like they will go out of there way watching people like us, just waiting for us to screw up so they can take more money from us.

[Scraperdude801]

Projects I totally agree with you. The state needs to extend the hours of the DMV's. ... I also feel the same way about banks. Why are these institutions only open during the hours when most working class people can't attend? Yet they are the ones that will fuck up your life if you don't get to them on time. ... grrr