Burns & Scale reveal 3 finalists for Downtown tower design: Vote for your favorite! (credit, zoning)

[Gozer]

*turned on

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Gozer

It's exactly gimmick architecture, and it's sad because the "Smithfield Street Bridge Inspiration" has everyone all turned [on] despite its execution being absolutely miserable.

I disagree with the notion that execution is "absolutely miserable".

First, I think including both the bridge and 4 Smithfield as a joint reference is pretty cool.

Second, I think the overall composition of the design, including the angling of the western face and the way the "4 Smithfield" portion extends out from the glass portion, is also pretty cool.

I honestly think what is happening here is that people who simply don't like the aesthetics of the design--which of course is a subjective matter--are trying to make the case there is something objectively wrong with the design. I just don't buy it--the case they are making really is just subjective.

Note this doesn't include people who are concerned about how the interior would function--on that issue I am reserving judgment since we don't have many details.

[greg42]

Overall it's just nothing to get excited about design-wise. If I had to pick one, it's still the first one. But only if I had to pick one of these.

The idea that someone puts up a new building over there is good. It is perhaps not large enough or the right type of people to expect some kind of super exciting design.

[nuwaver88]

Originally Posted by greg42

Overall it's just nothing to get excited about design-wise. If I had to pick one, it's still the first one. But only if I had to pick one of these.

The idea that someone puts up a new building over there is good. It is perhaps not large enough or the right type of people to expect some kind of super exciting design.

Considering it might be two or more years before a major tenant is picked, it will be around three years before dirt flies and five years before completion. I like any news on the development front, but we should not be so excited about an 18 story building topping off in five years. I think Downtown Pittsbuirgh can and will support a larger building in addition to PNC Tower in the same time frame.

[pman]

Originally Posted by Gozer

This. It's exactly gimmick architecture, and it's sad because the "Smithfield Street Bridge Inspiration" has everyone all turned despite its execution being absolutely miserable. And that's a real shame, because it could be a brilliant concept.

that's exactly it. option 2 is a juvenile attempt that would look dated in the very near future (based on the rendering, since rendering itself is an art). option 3 is complete garbage (1980's houston?), cheap infill building. option 1 is clearly the most elegant option of the 3 presented. sure it looks like the cira center, but the contrast with the surrounding buildings and potential for mirroring effects on the waterfront make it the best choice of the three shown.

[PreservationPioneer]

I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with traditionalist architecture. Just because a building has a bizarre shape and lots of glass, doesn't necessarily make it good architecture. Just my opinion! Honestly, I think all of these buildings are conformist in one way or another. Let's see a non-glass skyscraper for a change.

[Evergrey]

From suburbs to city, Pittsburgh developer is on the move* | TribLIVE

That site is a parking lot along Fort Pitt Boulevard, behind the One Smithfield Building, which Scalo owns, and where he wants to build a $60 million, 16-story office tower, overlooking the Monongahela River.

In addition to oil and gas companies, Scalo has mentioned U.S. Steel and GNC as possibilities. GNC has declined to comment, and U.S. Steel has said it is “exploring alternatives” for when its lease in its signature tower ends in 2017.

[Lobick]

Thought that this was the most interesting nugget in the article. Hadn't heard anything about this before.

Soon, he will announce plans to convert an existing building at 422 First Ave. into a 150-unit apartment complex, consisting of studios and one-bedrooms

[Hopes]

I like IKM the best. GBBN is acceptable. Desmond is downright boring.

[Hopes]

Why is the location limited to 20 stories? Is that the client budget or a zoning issue?