I've always thought the Clinton Library Bridge to Nowhere was a very unfortunate design, especially in the context of his "bridge to the 21st century" slogan. The Guthrie could get away with "bridge to the 17th century" just as easily, and the bridge will allow the fortunate to hover above the parkway and the river bank. (Spectacular views for sure.) But I have other concerns about the design.
Unlike the Metrodome, that has spawned the development of parking lots galore, I think the Guthrie is likely to stimulate a more lively development of retail, housing and -- if we could only be so lucky in Minneapolis -- STREET LIFE. (I know it scares some people.) In the context of actual pedestrian activity near or around the big box theater, I'm concerned with how welcoming and conducive the structure will be to human beings (NOT CARS) at street level. On one side of second avenue is the main building with -- from what I could see from the model and drawings -- rather like a huge 3 story wall right up against the street. On the opposite side of second ave. is a large parking structure with scenic and shop space on top and two large skyways overhead. Again, another multi-story wall. (They have gotten so good at making parking structures aesthetically pleasing lately and I'm sure this is a very preliminary design for the ramp.) But it looked to me like another concrete and steel tunnel, so unwelcoming to pedestrians -- just like about 2/3 of downtown Minneapolis. From what I could see the architect appears to be creating something that on the exterior is synchronous with the bleak environment he's discovered here. And, no doubt the movement and safe storage of precious automobiles will be well taken care of. I just hope that pedestrians and some degree of street-level activity and aesthetic comfort is equally valued. A future vision for the the riverfront/old railroad yards could be (and has been) one of such a lively "village" (albeit upscale, although I trust not gated, like Houston's new inner ring developments). The Guthrie could be a real centerpiece for that lively urban community -- a town square or public meeting place like the Walker is professing to want to become in it's new proposed big box. Tom Borrup Elliot Park [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > When I saw this morning's photo of the new Guthrie, I knew that I'd seen the "skyway >to nowhere" somewhere. It just hit me. Check out >www.clintonpresidentialcenter.com/lib_photos.html. Perhaps this is the local version >of the Bridge to the 21st Century. > > David Lillehaug > Downtown > _______________________________________ > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: > http://e-democracy.org/mpls -- Intermedia Arts is a Member and Community-supported organization - Join Today! Tom Borrup Executive Director Intermedia Arts 2822 Lyndale Ave. So. Minneapolis, MN 55408 612-874-2810 phone 612-871-6927 fax Building Understanding Among People Through Art - Since 1973 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
