Firstsite finally opened its great golden doors on September 25th – four years after originally planned. The final price tag came in at $44.3 million dollars – significantly more than originally quoted – after a series of engineering and structural problems delayed construction. Commissioned in 2003 via a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)-led design competition, Rafael Viñoly’s vision has been criticized from the onset. Arch Record reports that Borough Councillor Paul Smith supports the project since he expects it to draw $3.2 million in annual revenues, but Parliament Member Bob Russell calls it an embarrassing “Golden Blunder.”
Still, we think that Viñoly should receive kudos for giving the project a light-ish footprint in order to preserve the surrounding archaeological treasures. Instead of creating a giant that requires deep footings (as well as a prohibitively expensive archaeological dig) he opted instead for a single multistory volume that receives plenty of natural light. Though the construction materials might have been eco-friendlier than copper and aluminum cladding, there’s a good reason that Rafael Viñoly was entrusted to create the gorgeous state-of-the-art arts and educational facility that has already brought little old Colchester out of the shadows.
+ Rafael Viñoly
Via Arch Record
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The much-anticipated opening of Rafael Viñoly’s 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 Arch Record – 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…
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The “Golden Banana” has received a lot of press since it was opened in Colchester 25 September, 2011
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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
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The Firstsite Arts Center by Rafael Vinoly has inspired a lot of controversy.
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Not only is the building 4 years behind schedule, but it costs $15.8 million more than it should have.
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But there is still no denying that the building is striking.
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It is very well lit thanks to the designer’s stepped construction
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And although it has a footprint of 10,000 square feet, it has a “light touch.”
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Vinoly gave Firstsite a single volume to avoid deep footings.
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Plus it is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, educational, and catering facilities in addition to the arts center.
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He could have used materials that are eco-friendlier than copper and aluminum.
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But all in all, it’s easy to see why Rafael Vinoly won the initial RIBA design competition in 2003.
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