Architects see Convention Center anchoring C2S

[jbrown84]

I like the 2nd one, the non-iceberg blue one, but none of them do I LOVE.

What about something similar to the Getty Center in LA?

[Steve]

At the risk of upsetting somebody, I've posted all three concepts and some drawings not published with the story at my blog, OKC Central — All about downtown OKC. I'll try to add more drawings tonight if I can figure out how to convert a tif to a jpg.

I still must be missing something. I can click to the article, but can't find any link to the actual renderings.

[BG918]

More of the amateur warehouse.

With Bricktown so close and the Ford Center across the boulevard I wanted to keep those forms and materials but also create a modern look with all the glass. The sweeping roofline does recall a hanger/warehouse but I wanted it to reflect the area's industrial past and with that the architectural vernacular of Oklahoma City. I also included rainwater collection as part of my sustainability plan along with many other features such as photovoltaic panels on the roof. The "ribbon" skylights and windows above the exhibit hall would lessen the need for artificial lighting during the day as would all the glass in the prefunction space and grand halls.

There is a main entrance at the west (right) side of the building into a grand hall and another entrance for the 3,000 seat auditorium, something the City wants included. Retail along the boulevard and creating a mixed use pedestrian friendly environment were priorities. Also creating an urban "street wall" here along with the proposed convention hotel at Robinson. Notice all loading dock functions along Shields both on the first level for ballrooms, kitchen, and auditorium and on the third level for the exhibit hall via ramp, similar to what they have at Denver's convention center. All parking is located in a garage underneath the exhibit hall on the southside of the building accessible by SW 5th and SW 7th, and parallel parking on the boulevard.


A closeup of the main entrance, which is directly across the boulevard from the (new) main entrance to the Ford Center. The main entrance takes you into a grand hall that runs the length of the building where you can access ballrooms (first level), meeting rooms (first and second levels), the 400,000 SF exhibit hall (third level), and the multi-level parking garage underneath the exhibit hall on the southside of SW 5th. SW 5th Street runs through the building under the exhibit hall and could eventually connect a redevelopment of the Producers Co-op east of the tracks to the park and Robinson. Retail space on both sides, and a terrace above where the exhibit hall prefunction space is located. The bris-soleil system is meant to shield the grand hall from the west sun while not blocking views.


A very schematic interior view looking north-northwest from the exhibit hall prefunction space on the third level with the covered outdoor terrace. This space would have some amazing skyline views above the Ford Center.


Another view of the main entrance and grand hall from the inside. There would likely be escalators in addition to the stairs I've shown.


This project was a huge challenge. Designing something this big (approx. 1.4 million SF) is tough, especially with site constraints in the downtown area. I prefer designing small urban mixed-use projects on a Auto Alley/Campus Corner scale myself and would never want to design something this big...but I hope our research and ideas can help whoever ends up doing it.

[Steve]

Hi BG198, I'm Steve... now we've met online and offline!
Now you can share with everybody just what a bore it is to be interviewed by me. I was having trouble converting your sketches to jpgs. Can I use these to add to my blog?

[BG918]

Sure Steve, nice meeting you too. I hoped you liked what our studio worked on this past year. There are some great designs and ideas for some of OKC's upcoming projects like the transit center and convention hotel. I'll add some more stuff later, maybe a site plan, floor plans, and the program would be interesting for people to see.

[Pete]

Very nice, BG. I can only imagine the amount of effort that goes into a project like that.

Your concept reminds of the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, which draws architectural elements and materials from the surrounding buildings (and is very impressive in person):

[jbrown84]

Lots of good ideas there, BG! I don't think anyone ever called your design "amateur". Cuatro said that about the "iceberg" one.

[Karried]

yes, BG918, I never saw anything other than the Iceberg .. (which I don't like one bit) .. your design has a professional, streamlined look.. which I do like. Your design doesn't look amateurish at all.

[Pete]

Portland has a very unique convention center, which is fundamentally basic but features a couple of very distinct spires that can be seen for miles. It's very striking:

[Steve]

In defense of the iceberg, I'm posting more of her sketches and a comment she sent with it.

[Steve]

I recall another architectural drawing that drew some different responses when it first went public. It was for the Oklahoma City National Memorial Gates of Time, which are now hailed as one of the best memorial designs in the world and were designed by none other than BG918's professor, Hans Butzer.

[jbrown84]

I wasn't in on such discussions that long ago, but I can't imagine myself disliking the Memorial design.

[Steve]

I'll even admit - of all the designs I saw, it was far from my favorite. But now I can't imagine it being anything but Hans' design. It's brilliant in its simplicity. (BG918, keep my initial reaction between us and the thousands of other members of Pete's little hobby site here, ok?)

[sgt. pepper]

My two cents......Personally, i do not like neither one of them, specially the iceburg.
I like what Pete posted of Portland, now that is impressive, except it needs a 25 story hotel next to it. What does everybody think should so where the Cox is now....a hotel, a NBA practice facilty, a parking garage, a grocery store, super wal-mart?

[jbrown84]

a parking garage, a grocery store, super wal-mart?

NO NO NO NO NO. I like BG's idea of filling in the edges of the Cox with retail and hotels. Basically keep the arena for Big XII tournaments and such, but lose most of the convention space in favor of other, more pedestrian friendly things.

[wsucougz]

Awhile back someone posted a picture of a new convention center that was bronzish in color - could have been in Europe or the states. I can't find it but I remember thinking it was one of the coolest buildings ever - looked kind of like something out of Dune. Anyone?

[sgt. pepper]

I'll add some more stuff later, maybe a site plan, floor plans, and the program would be interesting for people to see.

Yes BG, that would be awsome! Out of the three, your design is the best one IMO, very thought out and functional...good job.

[Platemaker]

[QUOTE/] Honestly, I'm not seeing the above giant ice cube as an anchor and pulling together Core ( downtown buildings) to Shore ( River) what does a giant ice looking sculpture have to do with anything in OK?[/QUOTE]

DUH!!! A giant ice cube makes total sense... it's representative of all those "blizzards" that descend upon OKC out of nowhere... didn't you read the Top 10 Places Not to Visit list???

[brianinok]

I like BG's design. I also like Milwaukee's center. Though, I wouldn't be opposed to jazzing up their designs a little with a more modern bent. But, I really like the use of brick and glass. Across the street will be the brick and glass Ford Center, and just around the corner is Bricktown. Something that can fit with the old and new like this would be good, IMO.

[FritterGirl]

I really like some elements of each of the designs, although agree I don't see a "tie in" with the ice cube and Oklahoma.

BG's design is certainly the most "classic" of the four and would blend in well with what we are doing, although IMO it could be made to look a little more dynamic.

I am not sure about the Milwaukee Center. Something about it's modern "Georgian" style screams OU or OCU campus to me.

I will say I like the concept of using the types of materials that are found in Oklahoma, not unlike what we have at our own Will Rogers Airport.

If we really want to go for the fantastical, how about something like the "bird's nest" look of the Beijing 2008 Olympic stadium. Talk about really cool! And while it in itself doesn't scream out "Oklahoma," there's something that reminds me about the multiple "nest" strands that remind me of wind and water - two things that go with Oklahoma!

I can kind of imagine that with that blue-green glass (think 360 building) reflecting light out from the center. It would be dynamic, iconic and certainly something that would make us stand out from other cities. Of course, it would probably take MAPS IV, V, VI and VII to get it!

[okiebadger]

The Milwaukee center looks pretty good. I want a building that looks like a building and doesn't try to shriek ART at us.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Good job with the SketchUp my friend, BG.

I like the idea of keeping and urban wall. IMO this project was my favorite of the 3. The other seem to be trying so hard to be different that they are coming off as silly.

I wit ya on the big projects...in the last year I have done a half a city block mid-rise development, and terminal at DFW, and city block high-rise development (around 2.5 million sq ft).

Good job.

(we need a members project thread)

[jbrown84]

[QUOTE/]DUH!!! A giant ice cube makes total sense... it's representative of all those "blizzards" that descend upon OKC out of nowhere... didn't you read the Top 10 Places Not to Visit list???

Of course. It happens all the time, just like in The Day After Tomorrow!

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

We should just copy the San Diego Convention Center...Then stick a buffalo out front.

[sroberts24]

BG918 yours is by far my fav. i love the retail along the streets i think it is just what the city leaders are looking for, and looks a lot like what they were suggesting in the C2S renderings.... Very Nicely Done!