Simbha

Could someone explain to me the basic elements that an architect would be looking to achieve in this case? I recognize that architectural design is a creative endeavor, but are there some standards that would be followed in a case like this? I'm not talking about codes or regulations, but instead design standards that would be followed in order to achieve the effect that is sought.

I'd like to better understand how an architect would even think to create a design in this case.

For what it's worth: Of the above designs, I really like the exteriors of the Herning and Kiasma, but not the Nelson-Atkins addition or the LA Museum of Natural History. The Nelson-Atkins addition just seems like it's got too much contrast with the other building (I assume that's what's next-door). I don't care for that thing jutting out of the LA museum (and I recognize that it's still in the design phase). But, on the other hand, the Herning really seems to fit well in that space, and the Kiasma is a beautiful, modern looking building in an urban space.

My biggest concern has to do with the fact that this new building is supposed to unite MFAH's campus.

That is gong to be quite a challenge. There certainly wasn't any concern for unity with the older structures when the Beck building was designed. That said, the Brown Pavilion is brilliant and is in a totally different style from the original wing.

Is this what's meant by their 'unification' statement? I always interpreted it simply as providing physical (not visual/architectural) continuity between the Law and Beck buildings and the sculpture garden. Sure, architectural consistency might be optimal, but I don't see that as being a primary goal. (It's not as though my opinion matters, however.)

I think, as a city, we should pause now and ask ourselves: Do we need a soccer stadium, or is it better to have a venue for beach volleyball?

In the absence of renderings, here are some shots of contemporary art museums which Holl's firm has designed around the world.

I've also provided square footage for each building. The plot for the new building is around the same size as that for the Beck Building, which has roughly 190,000 square feet of floor space.

All the images I've posted below are from the website of Steven Holl Architects. I've chosen one exterior view and one interior view in each case. More images of each can be found on the website itself (here).

Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Herning Denmark

Size: 56,000 sqft

Status: Completed

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Addition and Restoration), Kansas City, MO

Size: 165,000 sqft

Status: Completed

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland

Size: 130,000 sqft

Status: Completed

While not a museum of contemporary art, the Museum of Natural History in LA is in its design phase and may offer clues regarding elements which may find their way into the MFAH expansion:

Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA

Size: 80,000 sqft

Status: Design

Folks, it's basically a huge hospital. What do you expect other than hospital food?

40,000 seems small?

Yes, to me it seems small. Even with the expansion (to 40,000), the stadium would be in the lower third of NCAA FBS stadium capacities.

The campus is quickly growing (2.4% annual student population growth since 2005), outpacing Texas A&M (1.9%) and UT-Austin (0.6%). It is the principal public higher education institution in one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country.

Most NCAA FBS stadium have seating for a population that is significantly greater than the student body. Of course, one driver for this is that most students (including grad students) are enrolled in a university for four years or less; however, they will be alumni for many years after. For example, looking at the largest universities in Texas that are also in the FBS:

University - Current Enrollment - Stadium Capacity - Ratio

University of Texas at El Paso - 22,640 - 52,000 - 2.3

University of Texas at Austin - 51,145 - 100,119 - 2.0

Texas Tech University - 32,327 - 60,454 - 1.9

Texas A&M University - 51,895 - 83,002 - 1.6

University of Houston - 39,824 - 40,000 - 1.0

University of North Texas - 35,722 - 30,850 - 0.9

Furthermore, looking at the future Big East Conference, UH would rank near the bottom in stadium capacity, despite being one of the largest schools in the conference (in terms of student enrollment).

So UH can charge a good amount on a ticket since more people will be competing for the same ticket.. Of course, it won't be great for the students but the university will get a better image during the games and of course a lot more profit

Well, I can't argue with this - but not because I agree, but because I haven't seen the pricing/cost analysis. But, generically - Smaller stadium and competition for tickets doesn't necessarily translate to greater profit. And, while I know you're using the term informally, state universities are not in the business of making a profit - at a minimum, they're there to provide an education to members of the populace; in regards to sports facilities, they support such programs in order to (i) provide recreation for the university community and (ii) garner moral and financial support for the school. I don't think that packing a stadium and leaving some people who want to attend games out is the best way to achieve these goals.

Look, I'm REALLY glad that my alma mater is revamping its football digs - but I'm a bit disappointed that the initial phase is such a modest expansion from its current capacity. These expansion plans just seem a bit short-sighted to me.

This may warrant its own topic...

UH has taken the next major step in developing its new stadium: http://blog.chron.co...rd-its-stadium/

The University of Houston took a step in its process toward a new football stadium on Monday, issuing a request for qualification (RFQ) for architectural firms to submit proposals to design the new stadium.

Included among the things on UH’s list for the stadium project:

• 40,000-seat capacity, expandable to 60,000 in the future in 10,000-seat increments (phase two would be 50,000 seats, phase three would be 60,000 seats).
  
• Premium seats (suites, club, loge, etc.) would be about 4,000.
  
• A club lounge that would have view of the field, the downtown skyline and premium food and beverage amenities would be approximately 12,000 square feet.
  
• Individual suites would be about 274 square feet apiece.
  
• The Cougars’ locker room would be around 8,500 square feet and would include toilets, showers, separate coaches accommodations, training, treatment and exam facilities and equipment and manager space.
  
• A 20,000 square-foot multi-purpose academic center.
  
• The press box (which would include a visiting athletic director’s suite) would be above the main suite level.
  

UH has raised about half of the projected $120 million construction cost.

40,000-seat capacity seems small. I see the ability for expansion being planned into the development, but even 60,000 seats seems small for a University poising itself for significant growth in reputation, student population and alumni/community engagement.

Too bad Embassy Suites looks nothing like that.

One of the most disappointing outcomes in Downtown, period.

It is a big, malleable, long-term idea...with a nice rendering. Nothing more. Eeven the chairman of the group tasked with making it happen (Ric Campo, CEO of Camden Property Trust) struck me as being cautious in his statements.

Agreed. However, this - or something like it - will almost certainly happen. Why? Because the city is growing in population and economic importance. Whether the development is in keeping with sound urban planning principles through a well-thought strategy, is another matter.

I received this email yesterday - I have no idea how I'm even on the list but...

Apparently Randall Davis is building a new property behind the Carraba's on Kirby, starting in April 2012. It looks to be about six stories (five residential and probably one lobby/garage). The details, per the email, are below. I've also attached a rendering, which was sent with the email. I have no interest in violating their intellectual property by posting this here, but since the email was sent as an advertisement, I imagine they wouldn't mind the publicity.

Here's the body of the email. It came from an email advertisement, so a warning up front that it's marketing-speak.

Randall Davis here, wanting to capture a little of your time to discuss a new vision inspired by a recent trip to NYC. Visiting a friend in Soho, I was mesmerized by a design and style of living not found in Houston. I'm putting the finishing touches on a new development on W Main; right behind Carraba's new restaurant on Kirby. Living here, you can walk to Whole Foods or West Avenue, or order food from Johnny Carrabba's three new restaurants. It will house ONLY 10, 3 bedroom - 3 1/2 bath residences, each with 3,000 square feet including a large terrace.

I believe there are Houstonians who want mid-rise living in a small exclusive building with low maintenance fees. I estimate maintenance fees will be $450 monthly ($.15 per sq ft). How? This is a finely designed home for ONLY 10 residents. An elevator splits the building and opens directly into your residence (2 units per floor), no hallways, excellent privacy and access by code or reader. Parking is underneath the mid-rise tower. There is no concierge or guard, but this type of living requires none in my opinion.

The property named Chateau 10 will have an urban European design; this is not a glass box high rise. Living room views are pointed west at the Galleria area. Ceiling heights are 10 feet, 11 feet on the top penthouse floor. I'm working toward the following amenities but admittedly they are a work in progress. I want feedback from my first 3-4 buyers: here is the starting point amenity list:

Top of the line appliance package

Wood Floors – Choice of style and stain

Marble, Granite – Kitchen, Baths – Custom Selections

Floor Tile Kitchens – Custom Selections

Cabinets – Choices of styles and color

Carpet in secondary bedrooms – Selections

Kitchen Sink – Choose farm house or other

Interior Doors – Choose style and finish

Fireplace (electric) optional with mantel selections

Fireplace (gas) optional for penthouses only with mantel selections

Crown Molding – Living area and master bedroom with 8" base boards

Custom Closet Allowance for master bedrooms

Apple Airport Express and everything else Apple

Flat Screen TV in master bath and home speaker system

Built-in makeup mirror

Island pendant selections

All homes come paint-ready with a coat of white primer

I plan to start construction in April 2012, with one year delivery time. Early pricing target ranges from the high $700,000 to just under $1,000,000. If you are sincerely interested in acquiring a residence, call me at 713.526.3222 to set up a private appointment with me in my office.

I am excited about this new prototype residential opportunity. I would like to show you images, floor plans and discuss your level of interest in being one of the exclusive few who will reside in this finely tuned mid-rise. Looking forward to seeing you for your private presentation.

Just saw this today... The news is about two weeks old, apparently...

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/river_oaks/news/architects-file-copyright-suit-against-ashby-high-rise-developers-seek/article_52a93540-b7b6-533d-8af2-273a693d1ff2.html

A Dallas architecture firm has sued the developers of the proposed Ashby high-rise for allegedly stealing its design and is seeking an injunction to block construction.

Also, just to clarify I do Power Plant/Oil Refinery Civil work--- so my knowledge may somewhat be limited.

Regardless, you answered the question that was posed - which is all anyone can ask.

And, welcome to HAIF!

Normally, I don't share these things - especially on a public forum - but I think this might interest quite a few people...

The daily deals site Groupon is offering a deal for an annual pass to the Contemporary Arts Museum - Houston today. The individual membership, which normally costs $75, is being offered for $35. The latter is (perhaps coincidentally) the normal price for artists/students/seniors.

Just thought I'd put that out there, in case anyone's interested.

I'd like someone with design/engineering knowledge to explain to me WHY this pedestrian/cycling bridge is so massive. The similar-functioning new bridge over Buffalo Bayou doesn't have this one's height or general size. Is this simply for aesthetics, or is there a needed engineering reason behind this?

Not that I mind the design - I actually think the renditions are quite beautiful - but I'm just wondering if the reason is aesthetic or required physically...

I don't know, but the reviews on Yelp have trended downward - no 4 or 5 star reviews after September 2010. Maybe people got tired of going to the place and they lost enough business to shut down...

Hello, we are moving from the Bay Area where we live in a great MCM home (See listing here). We would love to find a larger MCM home (over 2500 sq ft) close in to the city with a larger lot (>10,000 sq ft) and great schools. Budget is up to 800K. Willing to put in work to restore. We have been looking in Bellaire and Meyerland and have found the pickings slim - homes are either too small or lots are small. We have been looking on Houston Mod too. Any leads would be appreciated or is this not possible?

First off, you have a beautiful home.

Next -- I don't know much about residential architectural history or the Houston real estate market. What I do know is that Zillow's a great source for finding information on homes.

Here's what I did: I went to Zillow.com and searched for Houston. Then, I used the following 'advanced' filters to find several homes in the city:

- Only For Sale houses (no rentals)

- Minimum 2,500 sq ft

- Minimum 10,000 sq ft lot size

- Year Built: 1933 to 1965 (since this is what Wikipedia tells me counts as an MCM home)

- Home type: Single Family

When I apply these filters, I see quite a few properties that pop up on the map. I suspect you'll be able to find something you like if you search well enough using this tool.

Here's a link to my search results; I'm not sure if it'll work for you or not but - if so - it'll save you a bit of time... Link.

Good luck!

Edit: Oh, and I forgot to mention that sometimes the search results will come up with unmapped entries. You can find these records by clicking the link at the top of the box with the filters, once you've clicked Search.

Edit2: Note that some of these homes may not be on the market any longer. However, most of them should be.

Oh, I am all for the super block in Midtown, that would be awesome. But I hate to drive to go to a park, does anyeone know if you can bring small dogs onto the Metrorail?

A statement about Metro's pet policy can be found http://www.ridemetro.org/Services/Bus.aspx. It reads as follows:

Customers can carry a pet on the bus and the rail as long as it is caged properly. Service animals are allowed to accompany riders with disabilities.

I think they let guide dogs for the blind on. Just get some dark shades.

LOL

I'm not sure a dog that can't climb the steps by itself will be able to pass as a guide dog.

Hey, thanks! Wonder what that street is. That's not Richmond that the car in front is driving on. We don't have elliptical esplanades. And the little cross-street just behind that car, that can't be Barrington, because there's already a building on the other side of that intersection, where Pete's Fine Meats is. I guess that'd be an entrance drive to the complex? I also guess my building is offstage in that picture, further left.

Well... Remember that this is just a concept drawing. It doesn't have to be completely accurate regarding the surrounding landscape. I have no idea about this complex - just offering a response to your comment.

I live a few blocks away from this. I really like the building; it's simple and elegant.

However, what I'd prefer - and I'm just one person who's not an expert at design - is that they used that greenspace in front of the building for more than just a lawn with a few trees. I'd really like to see a beautiful garden there - perhaps something that is a mix of Korean, Japanese and Chinese garden elements.

I don't see it. What's the cross street?

The address is given at the bottom of the OP's linked article:

Sam Houston State University

LSC-University Center

3232 College Park Drive

The Woodlands

936-273-7518

This takes you to the LSC-Montgomery campus located just across 242 from The Woodlands College Park HS campus which is adjacent (to the east) of the spot you've marked.

According to this report from ArtInfo, the frescoes which are currently housed in the Menil Collection's Byzantine Fresco Chapel will be returned to Cyprus next year:

The frescoes were restored by Dominique de Menil, but were then found to have been stolen. She offered to return them to their rightful owner, the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, but the Church allowed them to be on loan to the Menil Collection. According to the Menil's website, these pieces are "the only intact Byzantine frescoes of this size and importance in the Western Hemisphere."

I have hope that the Menil's directors will create something equally awesome for this space in the future.

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/38701/the-menil-collection-to-return-byzantine-frescoes-to-greek-orthodox-church/

My wife and I had a favorite called, simply, Asian Restaurant. It was located at/near the intersection of Richmond and Weslayan. The owner was a man named Tom - very friendly and knowledgeable - and the food was always good. The cuisine appeared to be American-style Chinese with some other dishes thrown in. My wife, a vegetarian, loved the way he fried the tofu.

Alas, Asian Restaurant went away along with the strip center to make room for the Edwards that's there now.

To my knowledge, many of these projects were proposed just before the latest downturn began - although I can't say which those are. Any thoughts on whether some of these may reemerge as the national/global economy picks back up?

I have no artistic/drawing ability, so I'll cower behind some barrels after saying this...

It would be awesome to get a rendering of Houston with some or all of these projects drawn in. I'd love to see how the city 'might've looked'.

wow... now THAT'S cool!

Agreed. What happened to this proposal? It's beautiful.