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Brooklyn, Beware Of Gehry's Glare
By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 2, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Dec 2, 2004
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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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...).
Tagged
architecture
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Disney Concert Hall
frank gehry
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Los
los angelenos
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richard meier
the sun
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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