Lorton Performing Arts Center, TU

[cannon_fodder]

Rock over London, Rock on Chicago!

Always a fan of a Wesley Willis reference.

[hoodlum]

next thing you know someone might say we should scrap today's music and only make music that sounds like mozart. They already do this with architecture.

[TheArtist]

quote:Originally posted by hoodlum

next thing you know someone might say we should scrap today's music and only make music that sounds like mozart. They already do this with architecture.

That depends on where you live.

In cities like London or Paris where you cant help but trip over old buildings and you get sick of looking at it when you live there... they loooove new architecture. Even in older cites back east its the same. However, in newer cities like many in the midwest where there isnt a lot of history or a tone of older architecture, they still like building things that look and feel old. An architect in Paris that designed a 6 story/mansard roof/wrought iron balconies,carved windows and sculpture covered building would roundly be considered insane,,, here applauded.

I remember going to the Brookside meeting about the Bomasada development, several times people mentioned that the building wouldnt be so bad if it were just brick and stone. Several people pointed to those cottages near Harwelden and the new development across the street there on 41st as good examples of what people in Tulsa
would like... The Developer thought they were nuts and thought those buildings were awful. He probably comes from a larger city that has a lot of that "crap".

I too love contemporary, like the new lofts on Cherry Street. However I also like old world and classical stuff. Its partly a result of where I live... Tulsa. We dont have nearly as much old architecture as other older cities. We could also use some great new architecture.


Its the old axiom, you always want what you dont have.

Basically city people want everything lol, lots of old architecture, lots of new architecture, lots of buildings, lots of trees, etc. Depending on where you live, you may have less of one than the other and thus want more of what you dont have "enough" of.

I think whats a bit lackluster for some about this TU building (notice the segue back on topic[8D]) is that its neither gothic enough, nor contemporary enough, it straddles the middle ground and appears bland. Not a lot of ornament or gothic cues, not overly sleek and modern either. A bit of this, a bit of that, but not satisfyingly either.

The original sketch looked nicer with its taller more vertical arches. I cant quite tell in the computer rendering whether there is a loggia under those arches or not? A space between the arches and the glass? And btw, where is the front door or entrance? I think the over all look would be improved with a center focal point. One wide arch, perhaps  taller than the others as well. Wouldnt have worked with the original sketched version, but would look good in the computer version.

Hopefully, as someone suggested, there will be a final rendering in the offing and it will be more refined.

Btw. I love the interior renderings. I still think they are very sleek and classy.

[hoodlum]

yeah I have heard that argument before and I don't buy it.

[TheArtist]

quote:Originally posted by hoodlum

yeah I have heard that argument before and I don't buy it.

You need to travel more.

[SXSW]

What is the status of this project?  Is it under construction?

[perspicuity85]

quote:Originally posted by SXSW

What is the status of this project?  Is it under construction?

According to a link on TU's web site, groundbreaking is set for late summer/early fall.

[TURobY]

Received this email today:

quote:
Dear Colleague,

I am writing to advise you about the status of the Roxana Rozsa and
Robert Eugene Lorton Performance Center, which will be the next major
campus construction project.  After careful deliberation with the
Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, we have decided to
postpone construction until the nation's economic situation stabilizes.



We strongly feel that postponing construction is the most fiscally
responsible approach to take during a time where there is much
uncertainty in the credit markets and economy.  It is our plan to put
this project back on the University's construction schedule once there
is a clearer picture of economic conditions and any potential impact on
student enrollment next year.



Please be assured that this decision is not a negative reflection of the
University's financial position.  To the contrary, the University
remains financially strong, is operating with a balanced budget, and is
continuing to see significant progress in its comprehensive fundraising
campaign.  Our senior administrators have been in close contact with
TU's financial partners during the past few weeks and the University is
well-positioned to maintain its financial stability moving forward.

--Stead

[cannon_fodder]

It is my impression that they were going to break ground with the name sake donation and do ongoing fund raising and/or seek corporate donations, and if need be cover the capital deficit themselves.  Currently, it looks more like they would end up paying a large chunk and thus be forced to tap their endowment.  Which is not something you want to do when the market is down.

It sucks, but it is probably a wise move.  Spending money you may or may not have is a bad long-term move (ask ORU).

[SXSW]

The PAC will break ground this fall thanks to a big donation to TU by the Kaiser Family Foundation..

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090520_11_A1_Thisis528430

[OSU]

Looks awesome and it is nice to see this project moving forward. However, I can't help but think, could they possibly make the name longer... ?

[Gold]

I call it the "TUPAC."

[TheArtist]

Kewl, noticed they have been scraping around in the dirt over in that area for a while now. Will be neat to see it going up. 

[SXSW]

This project is progressing nicely at the east end of Harwell Field and is clearly visible from Harvard.  It's on track to be completed in 2011.


Some other TU projects that are either under construction or will begin construction this year:

Helmerich Hall Renovation (Collins College of Business) on 5th St.


Rayzor Hall (College of Engineering-Computer/Electrical) on 5th Pl. east of the Chapman Activity Center


Stephenson Hall (College of Engineering-Petroleum/Mechanical) also on 5th Pl. next to Rayzor


Twin Towers Dining Center Renovation near 8th & Evanston


Samson Plaza located between the existing Kiplinger Hall and the new Rayzor and Stephenson Halls forming an Engineering Quad near 5th Pl. & Gary

[dsjeffries]

Very excited about the new buildings and plaza! And I've long thought that TT could use an outdoor seating/eating area like that. Would've come in handy when I lived in Mayo Village!