Around 1980 when an Arch student at RISD, we heard that the Arch students at Yale tried to "burn down" Rudolph's brutalist concrete pile. We all laughed at them wondering why they didn't try more apropos demolition techniques like loud music or noise generated at resonant frequencies or acids or sledgehammers! Eric Hammarberg, Assoc. AIA Vice President Thornton Tomasetti 51 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010 T 917.661.7800 F 917.661.7801 D 917.661.8160 [log in to unmask] www.ThorntonTomasetti.com ________________________________ From: The listserv where the buildings do the talking [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Leland Torrence Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2009 10:44 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [BP] Life Cycle Further thoughts on the life cycle, design life of buildings: 1) The New Haven Coliseum designed by Roche and Dinkaloo was completed in 1972 and imploded in 2007 - 35 years. Vacant since 2002. Although, "Even though the state gave $5.5 million to the arena for new paint, signage, and scoreboards, the Coliseum simply could not compete with newer facilities, as even as early as 1980 the Coliseum was decried as a "White Elephant <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Elephant> ". 2) The Armstrong Rubber Company Headquarters (Perelli) designed by Breuer and Gatje, completed in 1970, partial tear down in 2002, vacant since the late 90's. 3) Yale's Art and Architecture building designed by Paul Rudolf and completed in 1963, was a consideration for major restoration as early as 1998 when Mark Alden Branch wrote that it was "a building that will undoubtedly make a good ruin". Thanks to over $125m, it will may last as long as the university itself. And the above are just a few of the signature buildings by world reknown architects that were built in New Haven. It would be fun to have a book on the subject, with descriptions and dates of major restorations. How about it? Best, Leland -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html *Please vote for ICORS every 24 hours* http://www.lsoft.com/news/choicevote.asp <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The information in this email and any attachments may contain confidential information that is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). This message or any part thereof must not be disclosed, copied, distributed or retained by any person without authorization from the addressee. If you are not the intended addressee, please notify the sender immediately, and delete this message. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html> *Please vote for ICORS every 24 hours* <http://www.lsoft.com/news/choicevote.asp>