Anyone else really fond of 70s Seattle architecture (Kirkland, Kingsgate: home, schools)

[Chris Meyers]

So Im referring mainly to the eco/ rustic design of public buildings you can still find like libraries. Its that kinda Asian look, dark/ brownish buildings, trees interspersed throughout the lot not where planted but naturally occuring that were left there. I have a hard time explaining what it is but the Kingsgate (Totem Lake) library in Kirkland is a prime example. I LOVE this architectural style. Seen it in schools and stores as well growing up (born in the early 80s). Its just so Seattle. Earthy, rustic, woodsy, and yet decidedly modern buildings. Well modern in a 60s midcentury modern style sense.

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by Chris Meyers

So Im referring mainly to the eco/ rustic design of public buildings you can still find like libraries. Its that kinda Asian look, dark/ brownish buildings, trees interspersed throughout the lot not where planted but naturally occuring that were left there. I have a hard time explaining what it is but the Kingsgate (Totem Lake) library in Kirkland is a prime example. I LOVE this architectural style. Seen it in schools and stores as well growing up (born in the early 80s). Its just so Seattle. Earthy, rustic, woodsy, and yet decidedly modern buildings. Well modern in a 60s midcentury modern style sense.

Yes! In fact, the style has a name: Northwest Contemporary. And it is cool. And underappreciated.

[Chris Meyers]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Yes! In fact, the style has a name: Northwest Contemporary. And it is cool. And underappreciated.

I miss it a lot. It used to be so common, it just felt like home when I saw it, like Seattle. The Weyerhauser offices in Fed Way were another example if my memory serves me right. But its so dead now, and everything are these modern glass monstrosities (sorry) and I feel so small and insignificant in them. In these Northwest Contemporaries, you feel like a part of the environment, cant explain that well but who can explain feelings buildings invoke in them LOL

[mkarch]

Yes, and some of the new libraries in Seattle have a pretty decent modern version of Northwest Contemporary going on in their design. I'd say the big downside to the 70's NW contemporary was the lack of natural light and eschewing the mid century concept of making indoor spaces blend with the outdoors.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Chris Meyers

So Im referring mainly to the eco/ rustic design of public buildings you can still find like libraries. Its that kinda Asian look, dark/ brownish buildings, trees interspersed throughout the lot not where planted but naturally occuring that were left there. I have a hard time explaining what it is but the Kingsgate (Totem Lake) library in Kirkland is a prime example. I LOVE this architectural style. Seen it in schools and stores as well growing up (born in the early 80s). Its just so Seattle. Earthy, rustic, woodsy, and yet decidedly modern buildings. Well modern in a 60s midcentury modern style sense.

It sounds nice. The libraries I've seen around north Seattle are mediterranean style, and remind me of California architecture. Did Totem Lake not have a library before?

[slan490]

Can someone post a picture?

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by Chris Meyers

I miss it a lot. It used to be so common, it just felt like home when I saw it, like Seattle. The Weyerhauser offices in Fed Way were another example if my memory serves me right. But its so dead now, and everything are these modern glass monstrosities (sorry) and I feel so small and insignificant in them. In these Northwest Contemporaries, you feel like a part of the environment, cant explain that well but who can explain feelings buildings invoke in them LOL

Bloedel Hall at the UW is like that. I suspect it was paid for in part by Weyerhauser.

[green_mariner]

There is one architecture piece from the 70s I will miss, because it is one of my childhood memories. However, I do understand it was in bad shape.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnGt9OPueII

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

There is one architecture piece from the 70s I will miss, because it is one of my childhood memories. However, I do understand it was in bad shape.

It didn't last long. Seems like a lot of expense to go to just for 20 years' use, or whatever it was. What was wrong with it?

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

It didn't last long. Seems like a lot of expense to go to just for 20 years' use, or whatever it was. What was wrong with it?

It was poorly built and part of the roof fell out in 1994.