Re: Re: A city constrained by a Frank McDonald credo would be ‘dismal and prissy’ –

Hey Lex,

I’m afraid I agree with Frank McDonald on this one:
where I disagree with you is that it seems you are blurring two ideas: the idea of acknowledging and bringing life to the lanes of Cork (asomething which is very important and adds to the uniqueness and charm of Cork) and the relationship of the corner to both the lane and quay.

Architecturally, there is a hierarchy of spaces between the lane and the quays. By using a non-differentiating device (the circular corner stuff) as Cashman & Assoc. has done, no respect has been shown to this hierarchy: both the lane and the quay are treated equally when they are not equal.
As an example of something working: The Gate Cinema also turns a corner – but it does so much more effectively than Lavitt’s Quay project, by putting a “window” onto the quay and its entrance onto North Main St – one is wide, one is narrow etc.

However,Mr. O’Callaghan shouldn’t be held responsible for the lack of sensitivity of his architect.