2/9/10

The following images represent admittedly provocative examples of architectural possibilities related to

ideas of context and compatibility. They were presented at the West Central Neighborhood Plan Committee

meeting on 2/8/2010. Attending were Sherese Fortriede and Pat Fahey, who were there to discuss the draft

Downtown Design Standards. The examples were not meant to be exhaustive or even typical, but were meant

simply to generate discussion about how the Standards could/might be interpreted and how those

interpretations might affect future design in downtown Fort Wayne, IN.

It is my belief that if the Standards are approved as proposed, the types of buildings shown here would be

improbable at best and near impossible at worst. Of course affinity for any of the examples is purely

subjective. But many are award-winning designs, and all represent creative, progressive expressions of

architecture. Furthermore, I believe that according to the definitions of “compatible” and “appropriate”

contained in the Glossary, any and all of them could easily comply.

Fort Wayne needs to take steps to reduce substandard buildings. But she shouldn’t sacrifice the possibility of

exceptional buildings to make that happen. These standards will eliminate both, leaving a mediocre middle.

Some people will say that anything is better than what we have now. But I disagree. Long-term, it’s actually

possible to make things worse. And the last thing downtown Fort Wayne needs now and in the future is more

mediocrity.

Scott Greider, RA

Scott Greider I Architecture

From the Glossary definition of Compatible : “Compatibility does not mean „the same as‟.” That definition is

generally accepted. But how can someone possibly read these illustrations and not conclude the intent is to

create identical buildings? Even the best architects would have difficulty creating anything other than mirror

images of the existing if these illustrations are used as bases for what is or is not compatible.

Scott Greider I Architecture

Contemporary : “Designs tend to rely on recent material

and design innovations.” Obviously, contemporary

construction techniques allow for if not encourage all sorts

of “rhythms”, including irregular and asymmetrical façade

patterns.

137 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY, Levenson McDavid Architects, P.C.Scott Greider I Architecture

Appropriate: “Pre-approved ideas and materials… Submission of appropriate projects will be viewed favorably…

Is this an example of a non-approved material that would have a harder time being approved?

Ann Demeulemeester Shop, Seoul, Korea, Mass StudiesScott Greider I Architecture

Is material color compatible? Is absence of cornice acceptable? (“A cornice, parapet or comparable detail shall

be used at the top of buildings…”) Are windows proportionate?

Split-level House, Philadelphia, PA, Qb (cube)Scott Greider I Architecture

Is it compatible with adjacent buildings? Is corner emphasized in acceptable manner?

Split-level House, Philadelphia, PA, Qb (cube)Scott Greider I Architecture

Is wood and metal below 3’ acceptable? Are windows proportionate? Is material compatible to adjacent

structures?

Clinton Condos, Portland, OR, Holst ArchitectureScott Greider I Architecture

Is street level transparent enough? Is roof compatible to adjacent? Are windows compatible? Is entrance

orientation acceptable? Is it compatible with adjacent structures?

Elementary School, Courbevoie, France, BP ArchitecturesScott Greider I Architecture

Are windows compatible? Is lack of “clear delineation between the three main horizontal divisions of a

structure” acceptable?

Villa Saitan Apartments, Kyoto, Japan, Eastern Design OfficeScott Greider I Architecture

Is synthetic material appropriate? Are window patterns appropriate? Is integral fiberglass canopy

acceptable?

Otto Bock Building, Berlin, Germany, Gnadinger ArchitectsScott Greider I Architecture

Is synthetic/metal material appropriate? Are window patterns appropriate? Is it compatible with adjacent

structures? Is this an acceptable “clear delineation between the three main horizontal divisions of a structure”?

Cherokee Lofts, Los Angeles, CA, Pugh + ScarpaScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,

pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)

House Vvg, Vianen, The Netherlands, Grosfeld Van Der Velde ArchitectenScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,

pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)

Brick Weave House, Chicago, IL, Studio GangScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,

pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)

40 Bond Street, NYC, NY Herzog & De MeuronScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,

pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)

33 Vestry Street, NYC, NY Winka DubbeldamScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered “compatible” according to Part X. Glossary? Is this considered a “clear delineation

between the three main horizontal divisions of a structure”?

New Museum, NYC, NY SANAAScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered “compatible”?

New Museum, NYC, NY SANAAScott Greider I Architecture

Is this considered compatible? Is this considered a “clear delineation between the three main horizontal

divisions of a structure”?

497 Greenwich Street, NYC, NY Winka DubbeldamScott Greider I Architecture

Are these considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? They have pedestrian-friendly

storefronts, human-scaled elements, richness of materials, etc.,

Lightmos Thonglor, Bangkok, Thailand, Architectkidd; Ann Demeulemeester Shop, Seoul, Korea, Mass StudiesScott Greider I Architecture

Are these considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? They have pedestrian-friendly

storefronts, human-scaled elements, richness of materials, etc.,

Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH, Zaha Hadid; One Kenmare Square, NYC, NY, Gluckman Mayner ArchitectsScott Greider I Architecture

Is material compatible? Is use of single material acceptable? Is color appropriate? (no variation

as recommended…)

290 Mulberry, NYC, NY, SHoP ArchitectsScott Greider I Architecture

Is this window signage appropriate, even though it exceeds 25%?

Sullivan College of Technology & Design, Louisville, KYScott Greider I Architecture

Would this “mirrored” glass be prohibited? Similar to the Standard Federal building, it’s reflectance value is

high, but how, exactly, is “mirrored glass” defined in Part II, C.1.8?

M3/KG, Tokyo, Japan, Mount Fuji Architects StudioScott Greider I Architecture

Is this residential townhouse appropriate and compatible?

The Envelope, Dallas, TX, Buchanan ArchitectureScott Greider I Architecture