AUSTIN | Waterline (98 Red River) | 1,022 Feet | 73 Floors | U/C - Page 8

migol24 · #**141** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 3:50 AM**

Yeah but.... what do you think about the Power Rangers is the real question.

wwmiv · #**142** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 3:52 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by migol24

Yeah but.... what do you think about the Power Rangers is the real question.

LOL. I can see the resemblance.

lzppjb · #**143** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:01 AM**

I don't really like the buildings either. They do have a couple features I kinda like, but as a whole, I find them to be odd. I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it is the program they're using. I don't like the podiums at all.

I don't think these will be the final designs.

KevinFromTexas · #**144** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwmiv

No, I'm entirely serious.

What I want to see for Austin are a few buildings like this (see link) and more standard glassy infill not jarring eyesores like this project.

http://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploa...-0-600x607.jpg

Not a fan of that. I wish architects would leave modern architecture and stop relying on Cheetos bags for inspiration. I have this image of them wolfing down a bag of Cheetos with the munchies, and then being amazed by the crumpled bag for 30 minutes.

I do agree with you on the design of this project, though. It's too busy and reminds me of what's going up in Dubai. That gold trim in the facade makes it look like a casino.

IluvATX · #**145** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwmiv

They look like Sim City disasters from Eastern Europe or industrial China. We're a modern world class city, not some garbage dump for third world country designs.

I think the renderings look nice despite the crappy software they used. Your idea of all 3 of the towers being the same color would resemble the mass-produced highrises of central China and your Turning Torso link idea would definitely resemble something Soviet.

wwmiv · #**146** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:14 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by IluvATX

I think the renderings look nice despite the crappy software they used. Your idea of all 3 of the towers being the same color would resemble the mass-produced highrises of central China and your Turning Torso link idea would definitely resemble something Soviet.

No, no. Migol mentioned them being the same color. I want the designs scrapped entirely and for them to start over from scratch.

Syndic · #**147** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:21 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwmiv

No, I'm entirely serious.

What I want to see for Austin are a few buildings like this (see link) and more standard glassy infill not jarring eyesores like this project.

http://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploa...-0-600x607.jpg

Whaaat the fuck? Nooo... That's hideous. Now I don't feel weird about disagreeing with you. You like Lady Gaga-esque starchitecture buildings.

It's pretty ironic that that rendering is for a building in China.

wwmiv · #**148** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:21 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Not a fan of that. I wish architects would leave modern architecture and stop relying on Cheetos bags for inspiration. I have this image of them wolfing down a bag of Cheetos with the munchies, and then being amazed by the crumpled bag for 30 minutes.

You do realize that Frost and the W (which you've professed deep admiration for) are the in the same vein of architecture, right? I would hardly describe the design in that picture as being like a crumpled bag. It isn't something at all like a Frank Gehry monstrosity. It's smooth, simple, yet interesting.

Some of my favorite buildings are the Gherkin in London, Torre Agbar in Barcelona, the MNP Tower in Vancouver that is currently under construction, etc.

I like unique designs with lots of glass that are easy on the eye, with smooth lines yet detailed contextual shapes. Nothing crazy.

wwmiv · #**149** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndic

Whaaat the fuck? Nooo... That's hideous. Now I don't feel weird about disagreeing with you. You like Lady Gaga-esque starchitecture buildings.

I'm pretty sure I said I want a few (I.E. two or three-ish) buildings like that, and the rest to be nice simply glass box infill. Yes, I want at least one nice example of starchitecture, can you blame me? Otherwise our skyline is going to end up boring as crap. But I also don't want nasty visual blight like this project.

Syndic · #**150** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:26 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwmiv

I'm pretty sure I said I want a few (I.E. two or three-ish) buildings like that, and the rest to be nice simply glass box infill. Yes, I want at least one nice example of starchitecture, can you blame me? Otherwise our skyline is going to end up boring as crap. But I also don't want nasty visual blight like this project.

That stuff won't age well, man. It's like dooming your kid to wearing JNCOs for life.

wwmiv · #**151** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:28 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndic

That stuff won't age well, man. It's like dooming your kid to wearing JNCOs for life.

Actually, the best examples of starchitecture do age well. The Chrysler Building, for example, was considered as such during it's time, yet we all love it now.

You're basically suggesting that the Frost Building will eventually be considered an eyesore on our skyline, because it's of the same mold.

lzppjb · #**152** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:32 AM**

I don't see any gold glass. I think that's light bouncing off the ceilings of open balconies or something.

the Genral · #**153** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 6:17 AM**

I prefer the conceptual rendering on page 1 with crown modifications to the most recent renderings. What I like about it, minus the Austonian like crown, is the cohesiveness of the three towers and the modern skyscraper look that our skyline has a deficiency of. Unfortunately, for condos and apartments, balconies
would have to be added and that would ruin the look I prefer. Also, and we discussed this before, condos and apartment towers have a common denominator, they generally turn out the same, generic and pretty much architecturally challenged to keep the cost down. If they try to tie all 3 towers together for cohesive reasons, then they all will suffer from the condo tower design. If they try to match up to a sleek glass office tower, then the condos may have to forfeit balconies. Anyway you slice it, we're getting yet another cookie cutter condo tower, only this time a cluster of 3 towers most of us won't like. I get what wwmiv is saying...its time to break the mold that threatens our skyline to be boring and repetitive. We need architecture thats sleek, glass and shiney and ahead of its time, almost futuristic. Austin is ready for a signature tower. We have enough towers now and in the works to warrant something unique.
I'm sure any recommendations I have to improve the designs would be rejected as cost prohibited, such as a shit ton of angles and curves and glass up the ass.

migol24 · #**154** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 6:20 AM**

I thought the Chrysler Building was art deco.

Either way... something that never aged well was brutalist architecture. Not sure what this type of design is, but the designs on this project reminds me a little of it and this more likely will certainly not age well as opposed to that rendering in Shanghai (which I love, btw).

If you dislike that twizzler's looking building... how could you even remotely like this design? That is beyond me.

Something like this, would be awesome too.
http://archpaper.com/uploads/Nouvel11thRound.jpg

the Genral · #**155** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 6:28 AM**

What, the one in front we can hardly see? Yeah I like that one...

ATXboom · #**156** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 11:11 AM**

WOW. This project appears to have funding and will break ground late this year.

http://m.statesman.com/news/business...-creek-/nfHdH/

Can u imagine this and convention hotel going up at same time? Talk about transformative...

deerhoof · #**157** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 12:22 PM**

I really doubt this is the final design for these buildings. They have put out many renderings so far and now that they have a big investment firm, I'm sure we'll see something better in time. But yes, the design is very odd looking and not in a good way. This is as prominent of a location as there is downtown and it would be nice to have something great to welcome people as they approach Austin's downtown from the south.

With that being said, the Fairmont is gorgeous and i truly can't wait for it to start.

wwmiv · #**158** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 3:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by migol24

I thought the Chrysler Building was art deco.

It is art deco, but it is also starchitecture.

wwmiv · #**159** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 3:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by migol24

Either way... something that never aged well was brutalist architecture. Not sure what this type of design is, but the designs on this project reminds me a little of it and this more likely will certainly not age well as opposed to that rendering in Shanghai (which I love, btw).

If you dislike that twizzler's looking building... how could you even remotely like this design? That is beyond me.

Something like this, would be awesome too.
http://archpaper.com/uploads/Nouvel11thRound.jpg

Brutalist architecture has some moments where it looks nice, but generally I agree.

I love the Nouvel building you linked to.

austlar1 · #**160** Posted **Mar 21, 2014, 5:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATXboom

WOW. This project appears to have funding and will break ground late this year.

http://m.statesman.com/news/business...-creek-/nfHdH/

Can u imagine this and convention hotel going up at same time? Talk about transformative...

McCourt Global is the one of the investment arms of the former owner of the LA Dodgers, the one who had the messy divorce that forced the sale of the Dodgers. McCourt Global is Frank McCourt, McCourt's two sons, and a wealthy investment entity known as Guggenheim Partners. Anyway, they have DEEP pockets. Looks like little old Sutton and Associates was able to lure some big money to this project. Let's hope it remains a go because it will almost certainly mean that the Fairmont project gets off the ground too. It will mean a whole new dynamic for downtown Austin.

http://therealdeal.com/issues_articl...-new-ballgame/