I'd take the attic of Wesley Hall, thanks.
One of the most common features of the contemporary fads of architecture is the arbitrary contortion of the shapes of buildings. As the languages of architecture and craftsmanship have been lost since the Depression, employing "wacky" elements to the buildings is the only thing one can do to to mitigate the lack of architecture.
And since, banality is less noticeable on a small scale, this trick is especially used in the design of large institutional buildings, like the window-deprived McFeetor's Hall student residence under construction on Langside St. between Portage and Ellice.
"Student residence no sterile setting" - WFP, Feb. 17, 2009
A box is still a box when it's flapping in the wind. Take the curve effect away from McFeetor's Hall, and what is there that is notable about this building, it's texture, it's form? Only fitting that the public slumlords at Manitoba Housing Authority are a partner in this project, since it resembles the junk they were putting up in the North End and Central neighbohoods in the '60s and '70s. But even the MHA's "high-rise" at 269 Dufferin--a building of a similarly scaled mass--probably has a higher wind0w-wall ratio.
Unfortunately from a design perspective, McFeetor's Hall is not much better than the parkade of the WRHA's Main Street office: it's geometry is an affront to the surrounding streetscape.
Nothing new at the University of Winnipeg, which since it's formation in 1967, doesn't enjoy a great track record for adding to the urban quality. (As one very recent example, the architect of the yet unbuilt Science building had to fight hard to bring the proposed thirty-foot setback from the Portage Avenue sidewalk down to ten feet.)
And since, banality is less noticeable on a small scale, this trick is especially used in the design of large institutional buildings, like the window-deprived McFeetor's Hall student residence under construction on Langside St. between Portage and Ellice.
"Student residence no sterile setting" - WFP, Feb. 17, 2009
A box is still a box when it's flapping in the wind. Take the curve effect away from McFeetor's Hall, and what is there that is notable about this building, it's texture, it's form? Only fitting that the public slumlords at Manitoba Housing Authority are a partner in this project, since it resembles the junk they were putting up in the North End and Central neighbohoods in the '60s and '70s. But even the MHA's "high-rise" at 269 Dufferin--a building of a similarly scaled mass--probably has a higher wind0w-wall ratio.
Unfortunately from a design perspective, McFeetor's Hall is not much better than the parkade of the WRHA's Main Street office: it's geometry is an affront to the surrounding streetscape.Nothing new at the University of Winnipeg, which since it's formation in 1967, doesn't enjoy a great track record for adding to the urban quality. (As one very recent example, the architect of the yet unbuilt Science building had to fight hard to bring the proposed thirty-foot setback from the Portage Avenue sidewalk down to ten feet.)
posted by The Rise and Sprawl at
7:54 AM
7 Comments:
BUT its not on main Street.
But it p5rovides housing for students in the core
But it brings people to the core.
But it rejuvenates a slum.
But its infill.
But its definitely interesting to look at.
But its "signature " piece
But you won't need a BRT to get there
But its not in Fort Rouge
But its not a parkade
But, whats your gripe, that it doesn't have the look and feel of Point Douglas.
Wonder if they will fill it with IKEA junk.
Hideous. Looks like a boutique prison.
I don't think it looks that bad at all.
It will have some streetfront presence for Langside and bring an extra - 200 ? - or whatever number of people into the neighbourhood.
I think it's a good thing that the shape and cladding is a lot better than what goes up in most places. If it were Linden Woods it would be all stucco, if it were someone other than UW building it the place would have been cinder block.
I say congrats to the UW on the design.
Oh man, Winnipeggers are soooo hicked!
I'm with Mr.C: I think it looks OK. The curve is a little hokey maybe, but it does set it apart visually from other buildings.
the set back was to let the new greenhouse get some sun. It is shaded by a 22 storey tower block. But I guess since it is a P3 Partnership, somebody else thinks that sun doesn't matter in a greenhouse. So move it closer to the shadow.
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