Design and Architecture
The “Crisis” of the Big Blue Bus Stops; Is D.C. Too Square for Frank Gehry?
Frank Gehry’s proposal for an Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the new Big Blue Bus stops in Santa Monica cause controversy. What do we want in our public space?
By Frances Anderton • • 28m ListenFrank Gehry’s proposal for an Eisenhower Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the new Big Blue Bus stops in Santa Monica cause controversy. What do we want in our public space?
In this episode
2 storiesThe “Crisis” of the Big Blue Bus Stops
Santa Monica’s new Big Blue Bus stops are intended to provide comforts for riders and an iconic look for the transit agency. But the new stops have ignited complaints from many of its riders about minimal shade and uncomfortable seating. Were they designed too “defensively”? Are critics overlooking their benefits?
Read the story13 minIs D.C. Too Square for Frank Gehry?
Back in 2009, Frank Gehry won a competition to design an Eisenhower Memorial to be built near the Mall in Washington, D.C. Initially people liked his central idea: large steel tapestries telling stories about the life of the soldier-president. But then intense backlash followed. Now the architects has cut key elements of the design.
Read the story14 min
