Brooklyn, Beware Of Gehry's Glare

News that the Frank Gehry designed Disney Concert Hall was causing problematic glares for Los Angelenos, prompting Gehry's firm to say they were prepared to sandblast it, makes Gothamist wonder about our NYC architecture. The Disney Concert Hall glares glares have affected not only drivers but also condo owners who have views of the rather dazzling building. Now, Gehry's design for the Brooklyn Nets Arena in Brooklyn would incorporate some titanium, and the last thing Atlantic Avenue needs is more impetus for car accidents.

But Gehry is not the only archtiect who likes shiny, shiny surfaces. Many new buildings are shimmering sheets of glass (think Richard Meier's preposterously see-through West Village jewel boxes), causing pedestrians to be momentarily blinded and window cleaning companies to count their money. And some buildings have sculptures or other elements that cause glares, the most famous example of this being that huge silver globe outside the Trump International at Columbus Circle: People working across the street complained that at certain times of the day, the sun would hit the globe and reflect (refract?) into their buiding (some suggested that the globe be painted golden, like other Trump trappings, but apparently feng shui recommended that globe be silver...).

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By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on December 2, 2004 9:43 AM

Comments [rss]

SP

the worst example of this that i can think of is the Kingston Rhinecliff bridge over the Hudson, that instead of having normal Jersey barrier style walls has really really shiny bright white ones. Since the bridge goes pretty much east - west, early morning and sunset the bridge become a huge fireball, like youre driving right up into the sun. great for crossing 200' above a river at 50 mph.

Nicole

Supposedly the problem with the Disney Concert Hall in LA is that it was constructed one or two degrees rotated from originally intended. I would guess that's his story and he's sticking to it.

Adam

"hit the globe and reflect (refract?) into their buiding"

"Reflect" was correct. Refraction has to do with light bending when it passes from one medium to another (like from air to water--think of how the underwater parts of your body look distorted in a swimming pool when viewed from above surface).

Dirk

Personally I think an architect should think about how his design will affect its surroundings and the people who live and work around it, how it will interact with the space it's going in. I'm surprised no one has mentioned this about Gehry's work before -- that essentially a lot of them are gigantic mirrors. Besides the nuisance factor, obviously this can create potentially dangerous situations (how dangerous is questionable). Does he think about this when creating the design? Or does he not care?

Personally I like some of his designs, though I agree with the Captain, he is overrated.

Captain Midnight

Never mind the glare. All of Gehry's designs are just plain ugly. He's one of the most overrated architects in recent memory.

ladygoat

I can relate ... there's a Gehry building here in Cleveland, and on a bright sunny but snowy day, you need some serious sunglasses.

missginsu

damn straight... anyone who's ever tried to drive to the U of M campus in Minneapolis on a sunny morning has experienced the lingering vision of Geary's supremely shiny Weisman Museum burned in their retinas.

Invest in eye protection, Brooklynites!