A Bit of Architecture

Here are two interesting architecture items that I've come across this evening.

From Flavorwire, the Empty NYC Subway System

It looks so calm and quiet without a flash-mob mucking it up. While the reasons for the abandoned transit hubs is not so cool, it is amazing to see the buildings empty of people. When I used to design and build it was always cool to see the completed spaces before they filled with people. It is a rare sight for some spaces.


And another, not so cool piece of architecture from the Literary Tourist. Nigel Beale talks about his experience visiting the building. While he doesn't judge, it made me cranky that an architect would do this and that a client would allow him.

The Chicago Poetry Foundation


While the building looks like any other modern glass box, it is also a statement from the architect and a metaphor for a poem. It is frustrating just like a poem.
What the f*&%?
If people can't find their way in, than your architecture has failed.
This is the kind of stuff that gives architects and architecture a bad name.
And why would the Poetry Foundation want to perpetuate the idea that poetry is frustrating and difficult?