by Julia Schrenkler
Member since:
August 31, 2005

What do you think of the new architecture in the Twin Cities?

June 20, 2006 09:53 AM EDT
views: 30 | comments: 12

I see that "New buildings changing the face of the Twin Cities" is on MPR's Midmorning, 06/20/2006, 10:06 a.m. (audio archive available later if you miss the live streaming)

The program description:

The long-awaited opening of the new Guthrie Theater happens soon. The curved, dark blue structure on the banks of the Mississippi may be the most distinct among many new cultural landmarks opening this year.


Distinct. Distinct? Distinct! Is that the new Minnesotan term for "different"? I look at it and see not only a face, but a dark blue that I fear will not weather well in the long term.

  • What do you think of the new buildings in the Twin Cities?
  • Is there an architectural vision or plan to building here, or is it just sort of ... happening?

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Julia Schrenkler
MinnesotaPublic Radio Interactive Producer

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Comments: 12

Cat Warren Jun 20, 2006, 2:05pm EDT
I unfortunately missed the airing. But I wanted to toss in my two cents.
When I visited there recently I was amazed that they managed to implement a mass-transit system on top of the existing downtown infrastructure. Talk about a feat of urban planning! Sure, it screws up the traffic right now but they'll sort it out and it really flies in the face of all of the apologists who claim we cannot construct transit systems in currently populated areas. As well, the greek linkage program they have is amazing! As a visitor, I found even the deeply urban areas pedestrian friendly. I walked through an industrial park in Edina only to find myself in a pristine wetlands preserve. How exciting and progressive!
Julia Schrenkler Jun 21, 2006, 9:16am EDT
Hi Cat! That's right, you were here. As someone who has tried to drive down 55 between downtown Minneapolis and the Airport I can def. say it screws up the traffic. *grin* But the Greenway project and the bus system intersecting with the light rail seems to be working, at least in my experience.
Julia Schrenkler Jun 21, 2006, 9:16am EDT
Larry, what would it take for the Twin Cities' architecture to get a higher grade in your book?
Cat Warren Jun 21, 2006, 1:54pm EDT
Oh! Also, how I wish we had that sky-link thing in Chicago! That's brilliant! Now try to get some temperature consistency between all the buildings and you'd be golden. But seriously, why don't we have that elsewhere? How did the city convince the different property owners to go along with it? I imagine the little shops along there make tremendous dough.
Julia Schrenkler Jun 21, 2006, 2:34pm EDT
Cat, you mean the skyway system? I'm not sure on the details, although I know we get visitors from other cities here to consider it for their urban planning. Let me dig around on that...

Oh, also (quickly) I know this is late notice but this Minnesota Public Radio event:

AIA Minnesota presents The Impact of "Star" Architect-Designed Buildings in the Twin Cities

is Thursday, June 22; 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m.

follow the event link to RVSP! I can't make it but would love to hear perspective on it...
Onan The Barbarian Jun 21, 2006, 3:54pm EDT
Also, how I wish we had that sky-link thing in Chicago! That's brilliant! Now try to get some temperature consistency between all the buildings and you'd be golden. But seriously, why don't we have that elsewhere? How did the city convince the different property owners to go along with it? I imagine the little shops along there make tremendous dough.

Pretty cool, isn't it.

Saint Paul has one, too, but not as extensive as the one in Minneapolis.

I had BOTH of them memorized at one point in my life (I have worked in BOTH downtowns for a spell).

Also - a few months ago they held a bike race through the Minneapolis Skyway System (after hours of course)...it was a hoot.
Cat Warren Jun 21, 2006, 5:48pm EDT
Are you serious? Wow. If it weren't for the winters I'd just as soon move there.
~ Zeldapie Jun 28, 2006, 5:30pm EDT
Okay, here goes:
Walker Art Center addition: nifty
Minneapolis Art Institute's new wing: lurve it
Guthrie Theater: ugh - it's going to look out of date in about two years. I was inside, too, and it's dark and blah, except for the lovely view from the fifth floor.
Skyway system: brilliant!
Julia Schrenkler Jun 29, 2006, 9:41am EDT
With a little care, Cat, you could work and live within the skyway system. Braving the winter would be an occasional thing!
Julia Schrenkler Jun 29, 2006, 9:44am EDT
Zelda you cracked me up: "Walker Art Center addition: nifty" ! When I see it I half expect it to break away from the earth and take flight. In pulling up pictures of it I found one courtesy James Lileks' site (a treasure trove of paper and architecture) and he calls it the Rock 'em Sock 'em Robot Centre.
~ Zeldapie Jun 29, 2006, 12:30pm EDT
Oh wow, that's the perfect name for it - Rock 'em Sock 'em Robot Centre! LOL!

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