The Golden Banana: Rafael Viñoly’s Firstsite Arts Center Finally Opens with Mixed Reviews

The much-anticipated opening of <a href="http://www.rvapc.com/">Rafael Viñoly's</a> Firstsite Arts Center in Colchester, UK just a few days ago has had wildly mixed reviews. While there is no denying that what some are calling the "Golden Banana" - according to our friends over at <a href="http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2011/09/Firstsite-Art-Ctr-Grand-Opening.asp">Arch Record</a> - is striking, many are critical of the project's costs, which ran over by $15.8 million, and the crescent-shaped building's visual departure from the surrounding Roman ruins. So, what about the project's environmental footprint? It's definitely not small at 41,000 square feet, though it does qualify as a mixed-use development that houses galleries, educational facilities, a research center, an auditorium as well as retail, restaurant, and administrative spaces, but measures have been taken to give it a "light touch." Find out more after the jump!

The "Golden Banana" has received a lot of press since it was opened in Colchester 25 September, 2011

Many people are critical of this beautiful new arts center, which is expected to draw many visitors to Colchester, which is an otherwise obscure town in England

The Firstsite Arts Center by Rafael Vinoly has inspired a lot of controversy.

Not only is the building 4 years behind schedule, but it costs $15.8 million more than it should have.

But there is still no denying that the building is striking.

It is very well lit thanks to the designer's stepped construction

And although it has a footprint of 10,000 square feet, it has a "light touch."

Vinoly gave Firstsite a single volume to avoid deep footings.

Plus it is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, educational, and catering facilities in addition to the arts center.

He could have used materials that are eco-friendlier than copper and aluminum.

But all in all, it's easy to see why Rafael Vinoly won the initial RIBA design competition in 2003.