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Local NPR station, KUAF, has launched a capital campaign to raise 1.5M for a new facility. The proposal includes renovating the white-painted concrete-block building across from the Blair Public Library (formerly David’s restaurant and Cooper Architects). Renderings of the proposed renovation and new additions are up on a banner across the street from the library, and upon closer inspection, you might be underwhelmed. The bewildering factor is that the same Minneapolis firm that designed the public library has taken a pro bono stab at envisioning the new KUAF, but seem to not like their previous design enough to acknowledge it. It is better to hear the goals and ambitions for the ‘On the Move’ campaign directly from the source.
In the Fayetteville community we like to see local institutions grow and prosper and continually become a more established part of where we live. KUAF has moxie, but not necessarily a building proposal that will ‘increase community outreach’. One might ask, ‘Where are the people?’
Well someone did ask and if you want to read the architectural rant, give up the next couple of minutes to do so.
The basics boil down to:
1) not being very excited by the imagery, not to the point of giving money.
2) community presence doesn’t imply turning your back on the public library and omitting people from your inspirational imagery.
3) a roof colored green is not exactly what all the ‘green‘ fuss is about.
Nevertheless, many of us will give money to the ambitious campaign because KUAF does a fantastic job of providing a noble service to our community. Thus, they deserve a noble facility. It has been learned that KUAF intends to select a LOCAL firm by mid-summer to move forward with the project. Let’s hope for something worthy of the cause. Hey, sustainability is a hot topic and we don’t need any more bad buildings (talking about you Legacy)…what do you think?
Cowboys + Jones = True Love Forever
Apr 4th, 2008
Shitty rendering aside. KUAF is in dire need of a new facility. I’ve heard from people who work there, or have worked there.
So if you like Public Radio, now would be a good time to pony up some cabbage.
Apr 5th, 2008
I’d like “Strokitecture” to use his own name on this one. I have heard this argument from him before and it is a thinly veiled attempt to get business. That said, I’ll at lease debunk the three points he made as I work for KUAF, sat in two day-long design meetings with Jeffery Scherer, the architect, and am assisting in the capital campaign to pay for the move and renovation:
1) not being very excited by the imagery, not to the point of giving money–”Strokitecture,” you will never be asked to give money on this project. Nor will, more than likely, the general public. Capital Campaigns succeed with large gifts ($150,000 to $500,000 range) and we hope ours will be the same. And as EL Dookie pointed out, if the imagery in the rendering is what would prevent your contribution and not the intense and urgent need for our public radio station to have a new facility, I doubt you would give any money to that cause in the first place.
2) community presence doesn’t imply turning your back on the public library and omitting people from your inspirational imagery–Perhaps “Strokitecture” should consider that renderings are two-dimensional. The view from the South doesn’t include the library (if this what “turning your back” on the library even means…) and the terrace you see not only faces the library but is one of two rain gardens that will become public spaces for events that KUAF plans to have in conjunction with THE LIBRARY. Performances, readings, and member appreciation events will take place in the space that not only compliments the library’s design, it was designed for the very reason of being a companion space to the library’s terrace. (Sorry that the lack of people in the rendering is egregious enough as to keep one from using their imagination.)
3) a roof colored green is not exactly what all the ‘green‘ fuss is about.–I wonder if “Strokitecture” really thinks that the same design firm that produced the LEED certified and award-winning Public Library thinks that green-colored roofs are what it’s all about? This comment really doesn’t deserve a response as KUAF’s new facility will be LEED certified, the very thing that the “green fuss” is. This means among several other things, the inclusion of rain gardens and rainwater receptacles, are mandatory in the design. Again, I have to say if “Strokitecture” really believes that our public radio station could be as stupid as he claims, I doubt we’d see him making a contribution.
I question the reasoning and motive behind all of his comments. He has, in a roundabout and insulting way, asked why he wasn’t included in any of these plans. And the more he writes, the more he answers his own question.
Apr 5th, 2008
pwned.
Apr 6th, 2008
I’m not sure what sort of personal/professional past experience Strok and LW share, but I don’t think his observations are all that slanderous or deserving of QUITE such a hot-headed response. Whatever the motivation for his post (and only they know the answer to that), it isn’t surprising that an architect would be less than thrilled about this uninspired rendering. I’m very glad for the clarifications on LEED certification and funding plans, but continue to be, understandably, unsure as to why an award-winning design firm would come up with a building with such a homely appearance. I agree that KUAF deserves a more attractive and cohesive facade…which SHOULD be seen as nothing more than dedication to a fine radio station.
Apr 6th, 2008
Whoa!? Did I miss something? Not sure why the word “slanderous” is being tossed around here. Is there more to this story? Slander refers to an ORAL communication and libel refers to WRITTEN. This seems like an opinion piece anyway.
I would like to know who writes these articles. I also would like to know if Ms. Woods represents KUAF. Seems like kind of a harsh response and could alienate small donors to the station.
Apr 6th, 2008
Hmm. I kinda like the green roof.
Apr 6th, 2008
The libel, excuse me, in this case refers to Chris’s (his real name) implications of the misuse of KUAF’s donor funds in the design of this building. Read the original rant if you are confused. I am a full time fundraiser for this station and it is my job to inform the public as to how KUAF uses their money. Chris doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Also, there is no prior relationship between Chris and myself. He sent a very hot-headed letter to our station (again, read his original blog post) and also threatened that he sent it to a reporter for the Times. Ironically, if he had read the articles that Carolyn James has written about this project, he’d know that Jeffery Scherer is providing his services pro bono and is working with us while he is already here on business.
Chris picked this fight. I am defending my work place and am the only one that supplying facts and information. You can make up your mind if you like the design or not, but the facts of this discussion are the building will be green, the design work is being donated, and a local firm will be hired later this year.
Apr 6th, 2008
The reporter’s name is Carolyn Park. Here are two articles if you want to read something with facts:
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Northwest_Profiles/202957
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/198213
Apr 6th, 2008
Hey Leigh, first of all, let’s make sure you understand that in the context of my writing I made it very clear that I think KUAF is a great entity and I am more than happy that they are going to have a new facility that will provide the needed space to continue the great work. Most readers believe that portion of the article and rant was quite clear!
What I gather from your comments above indicate that you did not read the full ‘architectural rant‘ that is posted on my blog. If you had read it, you would know that I realize there are 2 renderings and I am keenly aware of orientation. I fully understand the nature of imagery, renderings, and space as I am, in fact, an architect and produce these types of drawings often. This, of course, is why I believe I have every right to use my educated opinion here on the good ol’ Flyer.
My comment about the green-colored roof was to point out that just coloring a roof green is a cheap way of duping people into believing it will be a green building and really does not offer much validity in the critical world of architecture. And yes, thank you, I am very aware of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. And nope, I didn’t have to google that; I actually already know what it stands for because I have worked on a few projects seeking LEED certification.
Before posting this article I allowed time for a response to the original email that I sent to KUAF’s director and the capital campaign manager. Terry Bumgardner was very kind and let me know that ‘In early summer we will interview a number of local architects and make our selection by mid-summer.’ That is great news because now we know the final design is not guaranteed to be as boring as what is currently being displayed. Projects evolve throughout the process, and I am personally happy there is a chance for the new building to be Architecture–not just a building.
Here is a fact for you: the minute you put examples of your work out in the air, you automatically open the right for others to provide criticism and questioning (just like me writing this article…). This is particularly true in the architectural world. Jeffery Scherer knows better and never should have let this one out of the office in it’s current condition, because he CAN do better and you (KUAF) deserve better.
Finally, you opened up with ‘I’d like “Strokitecture” to use his own name on this one. I have heard this argument from him before and it is a thinly veiled attempt to get business.’–Really? I would love to know when you personally heard this argument from me before as an attempt to get business. I can answer that for you: you have not. I believe you abolished your own logic by making it clear that you do not know who I am and then proceeded to tell others I have tried this before. So, unless I am mistaken, you just tossed out a bit of libel (yes, libel, not slander).
-Chris M. Baribeau
Apr 6th, 2008
Regardless of what the editorial writer sent to KUAF, you have a responsibility to be professional about the way you represent the station. It’s possible to present the facts in a mature, rational way without it ever having to devolve into a public fight. You’ve done your station a disservice.
Apr 6th, 2008
I agree with the previous posters comment. The response to an opinion based article was incredibly immature & unprofessional.
Apr 6th, 2008
I would like to know how I’ve represented my workplace in any other way than in presenting the facts about our capital campaign and building project. What is being missed time and again is that
a) the letter that was sent to the station–a letter that was also publicly posted on his blog–insinuates that the station is misusing the station’s funds in hiring an architect from the firm in Minnesota. What Chris has again failed to tell his audience (both here and on the blog) is that he was told in response to his letter that that design work is being donated.
b)The letter also accused the station of being irresponsible in its term of building “green” as the architect is not local. And Chris has again failed to say that he was told that the architect is working when he is already in Fayetteville on business.
The “opinion based” article had wrong information in it. Information that had already confused a commenter on Chris’ blog about how KUAF uses donor money. I can not let that happen because one guy wants to go off about something he doesn’t know anything about. Again, I point all of you in the direction of the newspaper articles.
You can think whatever you want about me–I will stand up for this project, my work place, and how we use the money we raise. Money, I’ve spent all day raising at the fundraiser today.
Apr 6th, 2008
I like the Fayetteville Flyer and hink that the writer of this piece had every right to make these observations about the rendering. KUAF is such a valuable part of our community that they deserve better. I agree that the rendering is pretty bad. I also have a problem with someone who supposedly represents KUAF being so unprofessional. I also have beef with the author of this story: If you cite your own writing, you should have made that disclosure. The Flyer seems torn between being offering real news and offering fake news. That’s fine, but one of the basic rules of good and trustworthy journalism is the idea of “disclosure.” Strokitecture should have let the reader know that he is the one who wrote the blog he cited. When I first read it, I thought that Strokitecture was citing another architect who had a beef with the rendering. After finding out he is the reporter AND the author of the cited work, I felt a little tricked. I still agree with what he says, however.
To the writers of the Flyer: Keep up the good work, but, please, keep in mind that your readers will abandon you if they feel they cannot trust you. Please be more careful to disclose important relationships and facts to the readers.
Apr 6th, 2008
‘The bewildering factor is that the same Minneapolis firm that designed the public library has taken a pro bono stab at envisioning the new KUAF, but seem to not like their previous design enough to acknowledge it.’
Leigh, ‘pro bono’ means free. This post has always said that. I am sure you are doing great work to raise money. keep it up.
Now let’s all go outside and enjoy what is left of this beautiful spring day.
Apr 6th, 2008
This building looks almost as good as the new Chick Fil A on 6th Street.
Apr 6th, 2008
Thanks anon. The purpose of this site is to entertain, inform (just a little), to opine about issues that concern us but also to provide a forum for discussions just like this one. Thanks to all who participated in the discussion.
Apr 6th, 2008
Here’s a little something to consider…
The Fayetteville Flyer is not what one would consider a dependable news source. For God’s sake, the weather report frequently refers to balls, boners, or vagina salads. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m an avid reader of the flyer, and will continue to be one. However, that doesn’t mean that I take the Flyer’s take on an important story as the final say. It’s like watching a Christopher Guest movie and thinking it’s a real documentary. If anything the Flyer points out local stories that I may have missed, which I then research further through other news sources. Keep it up Flyer folks! You are fantastic, DON’T change a thing.
Leigh, if you’re worried about the masterminds here at the Flyer damaging KUAF’s image or fund raising efforts, KUAF might want to invest some the $1.5M they’re hoping to raise into a PR campaign.
Also - Name calling isn’t cool, havn’t we learned anything from the whole Bully Wolfe ordeal?
Apr 7th, 2008
“Keep it up Flyer folks! You are fantastic, DON’T change a thing.”
But…the “it’s just a website, not a news source” argument is a cop out. The folks that run the flyer might want to take another look at the kinds of ideas they give resonance to under anonymous (or misleading) pretenses. They are obviously good graphic designers and entertaining writers, but they should be a little more aware of their responsibilities to the community when they are taking on issues with more relevance than the best burgers in town or the NAMA nominations. I’m not saying you should go back to school for journalism, but maybe a subscription to the On the Media podcast should be required weekly listening for the staff: http://onthemedia.org/
Another thing worth mentioning is that the post by strokitecture just wasn’t a good piece of writing. It was garbled, choppy, and relied on outside links far too much without explaining much of anything in the actual post.
Apr 7th, 2008
tpn makes some good points. As much as we may not want to consider ourselves a news source, we are probably providing news to some (or at least informing some viewers about something they don’t know already). The difference here, though, is that we’re not an accredited news source and therefore don’t have to abide by the same laws/rules that, say, a newspaper or television station would (libel and slander aside).
Should we make sure to disclose things and link to other sites when we can? Of course we should, and I highly encourage all that contribute to the Flyer (not just the writers, but for those that comment, too) to do so.
As it has been pointed out already, the Flyer is mainly opinion-based writing. Just as we don’t consider ourselves a media outlet, we would suggest readers NOT rely on our site to provide them with balanced reporting. We give our opinions on most topics and simply bring to light others.
Thanks for reading and please know that these discussions will only help make the Flyer a better site.
Apr 7th, 2008
This is kind of off subject, but does anyone else think this car could get you totally laid? I do.
This one’s totally awesome, too.
Apr 7th, 2008
Lamborghini! If you’re cool, you call ‘em Lambo’s. I love Lambo’s!
Apr 7th, 2008
For “Fair and Balanced” news, you should go to Fox News… Actually, on second thought, we’re more fair and balanced than Fox will ever be. Check out the BBC instead.
Apr 7th, 2008
Readers, please don’t forget that this is a blog where the writers are allowed to post their opinions on local or national topics. This is not a news source and if you decide to take the Flyer’s word as your main source of information on ANYTHING, then that is your choice.
It is not the writers of the Flyer’s responsibility to make the readers well informed — that is entirely up to the reader. Say that you read that the weather is totally balls and vagina salad, and you want to take that as an actual weather report, that is you business.
Every single writer for the Flyer has a full time job, which is to say that they are not full time writers. Writing for the Flyer is a hobby for all of them, and some of them even write while they are at work. That said, they do as much research as possible on any given topic in order to write a well-meaning and informed, opinion-based blog post.
The Flyer writers LOVE feedback on their articles, so keep it up. Just remember that they are bloggers, not journalists!
Apr 7th, 2008
please know that these discussions will only help make the Flyer a better site.
Apr 7th, 2008
The silver one! That one’s hawt!
Apr 8th, 2008
Don’t be mad, Chris. They just can’t afford to hire you because they spent all their money upgrading to HD Radio. I can’t wait ’til I get my HD receiver P.J. Ribowski all day, baby!
Apr 10th, 2008
Apr 10th, 2008
apparently i’m an idiot and can’t figure how to embed a pic to this post, so here’s a link to an improved rendering.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mrukamathu/Wp/photo?authkey=Oc3sEFiGzSY#5187288435964459506
Apr 10th, 2008
^
Holy hell, ru.bot, that’s awesome!
Apr 10th, 2008
That is the coolest building I’ve ever seen now. Wow! Nice work ru.bot!
Apr 10th, 2008
Oh hells yah, lambo central on School Street.