Not again. The "new" designs for future mini-Manhattan Pike and Rose resemble the lackluster ones previously revealed. Clusters of non-descript office towers and mixed-use town centers sit, bump-on-log style, astride a once-bustling shopping center, a half-hearted paean to "The Man."
We're giving up Toys R Us for this?
In that case, I don't want to grow up, Geoffrey!
The plan aesthetically refutes all of the buzz phrases so-called "Smart Growth" development advocates enjoy deploying in planning work sessions nationwide.
To use one of their phrases, there's no "there" there.
Examine the close-up of what seems to be the Bethesda Lane or Rockville Town Square of Pike and Rose. Context aside, where are you in this scene? Can you identify a single architectural feature that says Pike and Rose, White Flint, Montgomery County, anything? (Please leave it in the comments if you can!).
The comparison to Bethesda Row is indeed a stretch. Bethesda Lane is probably one of the few town centers anywhere that actually has an identity of sorts. But at Pike and Rose, one could be in New Jersey or Portland or at any of the other bland, nondescript town centers in the DC area.
And why does it look like the grand curve of Old Georgetown Road has been whipped into an old-fashioned, 4-way urban intersection? Not only is the new work disappointing, but they're going to iron out one of the few road stretches with character in the area to boot? L'Enfant may rise from the dead if he hears of this.
Speaking of roads... That trench labeled "Montrose Parkway" at the top? That's supposed to be a six-lane Rockville Freeway. And without the Rockville Freeway (and additional MARC and Red Line capacity), this whole White Flint plan simply cannot handle the influx of cars it will bring.
It's no secret I opposed the White Flint plan as passed by the Montgomery County Council. But if you're going to "transform" an area, at least do it responsibly, and utilizing designs that improve the aesthetics and quality of life for residents.
Despite my opposition to the WF plan, I would probably approve the 2 towers (one already built) and the "ziggurat" development proposed by JBG nearby. While not Dubai-esque, at least they have something to offer artistically and help define a location.
Maybe it's early, and the buildings shown are placeholders for exciting designs to come at Pike and Rose. But at the moment, what's being touted is only reinforcing what I had predicted long ago.
In the richest county in the richest country in the world, why are we content to take an architectural back seat to Dubai, Hong Kong, and Shanghai?
"grand curve" of Old Georgetown Rd? Did you intend to sacrifice credibility or was it a side effect of trying desperately to turn a clever phrase? Twitter suggested I follow you and this is the first tweet I have seen of yours. So far I am not impressed.
ReplyDeleteCan we absorb the same kind of top dollar class A office space as the cities you mention? Are the spacy designs and cloud busting office towers that generate your fawning references appropriate for suburban Rockville? Does Rockville get the same kind of office/retail rents as Dubai or Hong Kong? Without them, the spending necessary to achieve what you apparently think are advancements in architectural "style" are not possible.
Well, there is a nice curve just west of the Manhattan dealership - I'm not making it up. It's a refreshing change from the many standard intersections around it.
DeleteI think the question of whether there is demand for this much Class A office space, or whether buildings taller than allowed in Bethesda (where Metro capacity is slightly higher) are appropriate for White Flint are quite valid.
In fact, they are among the same arguments I and others who opposed the White Flint plan made prior to its passage.
But having said that, there's really no reason the architecture can't be more original and creative. After all, the developers themselves say urbanization will create a "sense of place." I would welcome if someone could point out where in these designs such a goal is achieved.
I'm glad to have you as a follower, and welcome your arguments in the debate. I hope that differing preferences in architecture will not discourage anyone from reading the rest of the topics covered here on the blog.
I was probably overaggressive in criticizing the first post I read on your site. I am ignorant of your previous stands on this development. I think my objections are mostly style. It was not the word curve I Objected to as one certainly exists. It was the characterization as grand that left me a little . . . curious, lets call it.
ReplyDeleteLikewise wanting more individuality and less plain wrapper architecture is a good thing in a vacuum, but the comparisons with Dubai and Hong Kong were less apt and effective IMO than your more appropriate comparisons to Rockville City Centre and Bethesda Ave.
Aesthetics, Function and Economics are a delicate balance and admittedly, aesthetics often lose in such conflicts, partly because aesthetics are the most subjective of the three. Perhaps that is lamentable, but I think we all understand it if not accept it gladly.
I agree with Robert. If this huge area is going to be remade, why not make it architecturally interesting at the same time?
ReplyDelete