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I would like to correct my previous statement. Gerhy did not design my art school's building. It was Steven Holl. Still a totally non-functional building.

I enjoyed listening to Dr. Siber on your show. Excuse my ignorance but I am desperatley seeking the true definition of fraizon dextase ?

Thanks :)

Falling Water is supported by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Governmental support accounts for only 25% of their funding.

I have to agree with your guest about the state of these so called "starchitects".
I attended the University of Iowa where Frank Gehry (spelling) designed the Art and Art History building.
I attended the opening ceremony for the building and remember thinking that the structure was actually quite beautiful.
The building was suppossed to be inspired by Pablo Picasso's sculpture "Guitar". Interesting concept but the building turned out to be totally non-functional and it became clear rather quickly that Gehry never once took into consideration how the building would function for those that were using it on a daily basis. For example, the painting studios did not have proper ventilation and could not be used as painting studios; the lecture halls for art history classes made it almost impossible to view slides(an essential aspect of art history classes). This made me very angry considering the amount of money that my school paid to have this "name" design the building. argh.

To hjs, you've ruined my day with that EOTM web site. What horrors are they that they've caused me nausea.

The contention by Mr. Silver and the last caller as to the former WTC towers that the engineering is flawed is an absolute wrong, damaging and irresponsible assessement.

Leslie Robertson, the original structural engineer, is an extremely conscientious, thoughtful, intelligent and completely competent structural designer who designed these towers far beyond their basic requirements.

The fact that large jets would fly into any structure is not, and should not, become the standard for structural criteria.

Mr. Robertson should be shown more respect as to his work with the architect on these towers and the notion that their structure can anticipate terrorism of any kind is a terrible statement to make, especially someone whose book is to identify the absurd in our built culture.

Shame on you, Mr. Silver.

I am extremely disappointed by such egregious commentaries cementing any such erroneous assumption...let our history be more respectful of the professionals who work tirelessly to insure safety in buildings, and keep towers like these standing as long as they did after being attacked in a fashion not unlike a military operation.

wr

This gentleman's comments border with reactionary.
Though it is perfectly reasonable to complain about leaks in a building meant to shelter, many of the world's most beautyful monuments would not be around if egocentric architects had not been given a chance to squander resources and patience.

I have to agree with the 1,776 foot build height. It IS cornball... and it's also bringing in completely irrelevant nationalist jingoism into the construction of this building. The start of the Revolutionary War has absolutely nothing to do with what happened on 9/11 or what will take the place of the towers.

It seems this discussion is not relevant to most architecture you see around major American cities. In comparing the highly functional condos to the older residential living spaces in Brooklyn and the village, you can't help but prefer the older less functional stuff. It seems this is a debate for deans--and that point should be made.

I agree, the 1776 nonsense is nonsense. I'm touched too by it, I detest the idea and who will care in 2076 except people who write tourist guides. It gives them one other "fact".

here's a website of ugly buildings a new every month

http://www.kunstler.com/eyesore.html