NYT architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff plants a big wet kiss on the latest batch of East River redevelopment plan pictures, nearly shedding a tear over the FDR's transformation from ugly duckling to glorious swan. In case you forgot, the Richard Rogers/SHoP architect team explored lowering the FDR to ground level or even burying portions of it, but that turned out to be?you know?kind of pricey. No matter though, because the space under the FDR can provide a variety of useful alternatives: "A series of glass pavilions would be scattered underneath the freeway; they may house restaurants, flower shops or some kind of public services." By "public services" they mean "urinals for the homeless" right? Hey, at least these guys are having a good time!
· Making the Brutal F.D.R. Unsentimentally Humane [NYTimes]
· East River Redevelopment Update: Clam Shack! [Curbed]
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