I differ a bit when it comes to Uris Hall and Olin Library. Both are fine, albeit Olin’s facade needs a clean-up (which it is getting). And Uris is aging quite well from the outside, even if the inside layout leaves a lot to be desired.

I have also read somewhere that Olin Hall may get the axe sometime soon.

I actually think the additions to the Straight (or more generally, more student programming space for both undergrads and grads) are needed. The Lofts in the Straight are always reserved, and good luck getting the Memorial Room for any evening function. But, agreed that the insides of the Straight could be spruced up.

I think my biggest problem with the Master Plan is the demolition of Day Hall and converting the Campus Store lot back to more green space. Day Hall should stay (what’s wrong with it?) and a larger 4-5 story multi-use building with a new store, academic, and administrative offices should be built on the Campus Store lot. If Central Ave. is Cornell’s version of Locust Walk, it needs more density, not less.

Otherwise, more needs to be discussed about programmatic location. Is Stimson really the best use for the undergraduate biology offices? (Surely the Ag Quad is a better place?) And is Mallott the best location for Mathematics?

Enough. I’m writing enough to warrant a post on my own blog…

I like you’re analysis. I’m generally perturbed about buildings like Milstein, Olin, Uris, etc. They seem to be unanimouly hated, how could they be built? How does the adminstration get away with it? How do the donors react?

The addition on Goldwin Smith looks awkard. It seems it would be easier just to extend the ends and make a square backside instead of the puzzle-peice they’ve drawn. I can’t wait to see the renditions.

That is an interesting factoid about Rockefeller. I always thought they could do a better job on it, and Baker as well. As for the new Physical Sciences building, the only good thing about it is that it will block the ugly view of Clark Hall.

The Johnson museum is the only modern building on campus that I think looks respectable. I’m not sure why that is either. Maybe because its slightly removed from everything else? I have good faith in its addition. I doubt the buildings behind Sibley and Tjaiden will be happening anytime soon considering how long Milstein has been taking.

I’ve noticed you haven’t mentioned the recommendation of demolitioning Day Hall? I think it’s a mistake. You know they are going to put up something a hundred times uglier. Though, if it helps get the school store out of the ground, I might be for it.

Other things that irk me:
- The additions on the Uris library (both of them). I actually hate the older addition more. The overall cross shape was very important to its aesthetic, and sticking a block into the corner of it is just heinous. At least the underground addition doesn’t affect the actual building too much (they should get rid of those glass stairs though)
- Olin Hall. It completely obscures Sage Hall. What’s in doing on Central Campus? The engineering ugly is creeping out of its quad. I swear I saw an earlier board with Olin Hall labeled pink for demolition and replaced with a slender building along the road that didn’t obstruct Sage. (I think Bradfield was also scheduled for demolition)
- The additions to Willard Straight. Although they look like they might fit in, I just don’t think they’re needed, or really will be needed. What really irks me is the interior of these old buildings. Renovations have killed some of their character. The plaster on the walls, the ugly lighting, etc. Parts of the Myron Taylor really standout as tastefully renovated when compared with other older buildings.
- I have a slew of others that I’ll wait until you discuss them in your blog entires.