Comments on: Wing Luke Asian Museum / OSKA Architects

By: Bo Diddy

Bo Diddy — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:48:00 +0000

Love the reconstruction!

By: Bo Lucky

Bo Lucky — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:49:36 +0000

The architect project description says that the building character was maintained. Such the statement usually refers to the original building appearance. This was not done and the elevation was changed – modernized, if you will, giving the building a new look. Is it better than original? Well – it’s a question of a personal taste. If you ask me, I prefer the original building appearance.

It doesn’t have to be a “restoration” project in order for the architect to restore (if existing) or to recreate “volumetrically” (as opposed to reconstruct) major character defining elements of the building to maintain its character. Such approach wouldn’t detract anything from the spirit of the community, the contemporary climate of the street or making it a viable resource for the community.

I agree that they added to the history of the building, I am just not convinced that this is the best what could be done in this case.

By: Archidol

Archidol — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:58:55 +0000

This project is not a historic “restoration”, but a preservation of the spirit of the community in this neighborhood. While OSKA did not restore the facade to its original design, they did update it with a modern response that reflects the contemporary climate. By doing this they added to the history of the building, thus extending its longevity and making it a viable resource for the community. Look to Europe and you will find many other similar successful examples of weaving the past with the present. Nice work OSKA.

By: *SNYdesign

*SNYdesign — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:18:28 +0000

Love the ceiling decor!

By: Weekend extras « Steel Bridge Rag

Weekend extras « Steel Bridge Rag — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:44:22 +0000

[...] from Seattle’s Historic International District Arch Daily takes a look at the new Wing Luke Asian Museum in Seattle. OSKA Architects creative reuse of [...]

By: Lucas Gray

Lucas Gray — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:34:56 +0000

I kind of agree with Bo in that this project would be stronger if they actually did relate more to the historic context of the building. Why not recreate some of those fantastic balconies as seen in the old photo? I’m not even all that interested in historic preservation. However, the new design looks like a post modern remake of an old brick facade. Some of the interior spaces are great though. The light coming in that skylight and casting shadows from the hanging objects is fantastic.

By: michael

michael — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:41:52 +0000

I think Bo needs to get over his or her self. It’s nice to see the other faces of OSKA being recognized.

By: Bo Lucky

Bo Lucky — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:48:53 +0000

And… I have hard time to agree with the OSKA Architects statement that “the character and scale of the building were maintained”. The scale – yes, but character has been changed by removal (or not re-creating) of major character defining elements which include a gallery, top cornice, frieze over the first floor and a character of the storefront. These elements, if not existing, could be recreated in a simpler form in order to bring back a historic building character. A zigzag roof over the front entrance additionally detracts value from the building character.

By: Bo Lucky

Bo Lucky — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:18:30 +0000

For architects involved in historic buildings I would suggest to consult a relevant Preservation Brief http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm or a conservation architect.

The result of this refurbishment(?) would be better if brief 11: Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts would be applied.