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June 1, 2007
Die Another Day
The cycle of codependence between critics and stars does a disservice to both public and profession alike.
Metropolis Magazine
By Philip Nobel
As Boston's new signature starchitect-designed building fails to impress, a reviewer considers the complicity of critics. There's no mention of Atlantic Yards and superstarchitect Frank Gehry, but the song remains the same:
Bad buildings by big names get a regular pass. Favorable coverage ensues for the client. Though no connection between high-glamour architects and high-quality buildings is ever demonstrated, the client class learns anew that it pays to gamble on the stars. Other architects retool their practices to get in the game (first stop: drinks with the local critic). Students take note (fledgling critics too…). Mediocrity goes unchecked. The public gets shafted. The cycle repeats. The planet spins. Architecture lives to die another day.
Posted by lumi at June 1, 2007 7:44 AM