# Great Architecture In Las Vegas; Stop Laughing And Take A Look **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 2, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087 "2009-08-02T19:56:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/21 "2009-08-03T05:05:45Z")
I’ve been inside one of Gehry’s buildings, and felt very disorientated and claustrophobic. I couldn’t wait to get out. But it’s not PC to hate his work, so I refer to him as the Emperor’s New Clothes of architecture. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/22 "2009-08-03T05:14:25Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > Somebody needs to step up and put a motherfucking bullet in Frank Gehry’s motherfucking head. Why do they keep building this shit? Seconded. Architects need to have a governing body made up of regular folks who have to pass all designs - the stupid-ass shit needs to stop. If the only way you can get your designs to look interesting is to make them look melted, you’re in the wrong field. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/23 "2009-08-03T14:36:38Z")
Except that there are buildings that initially are not liked by the general public but are so later. I’m trying to think of an example, but can’t at the moment. That’s not to say that Gehry’s work is among these. I’m not a huge fan of his. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/24 "2009-08-03T14:42:36Z")
> [@DMark](#): > > Yes, Las Vegas is hardly known as the bastion of great architecture, but thought I would show you a photo of the new Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health being built on the corner of Bonneville and Grand Central Parkway. It was designed by Frank Gehry. > > No, this is NOT a joke photo, this is the construction that is underway. I think it is a work of art, but others think it is an eyesore. [You decide](http://www.flickr.com/photos/26758067@N08/3764303488/). :eek::eek::eek: What a total piece of shit. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f07891/32.png) [@Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Plastic_Ninja)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/25 "2009-08-03T15:20:11Z")
Not Gehry, but a similar notion: the addition to Royal Ontario Museum. I remember seeing it from the outside and remarking to my friends: “It looks like that gorgeous old building is being [raped by a UFO](http://frasconimusic.com/blog/wp-content/pictures/ROM.jpg).” Or that crystalline entity from Star Trek, on further contemplation. I remember staring at it for a few moments, trying to figure out how you could fit actual walls and floors inside. It does make a bit of sense to construct a modern art space in an unusual way, but in another thirty years it will look as pathetically dated as the hideous dull late 60s brick monstrosities like [the Jester Center](http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/jes.html) (This picture does not do the building the injustice it deserves. You cannot smell the place) or [the famously hideous Burdine, looking somewhat presentable in this shot](http://www.flickr.com/photos/zug55/3362326082/). At least this building is made up of right angles; ugly and boring and unlike the rest of the university as it is, at least it is fairly easy to navigate. For the sake of reference, most of the rest of the university looks like [this](http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/ahg.html) or [this](http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/gar.html). The occasional huge ugly brick things do not match the lovely old buildings at all, and stuff built in the last decade tends to look more like [this.](http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/nms.html) Appealing, sound, working with the theme of the buildings around it. Not everything new and interesting needs to be jarring. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/26 "2009-08-03T15:30:28Z")
Ghery seems to not understand the most basic rule of architecture, Form Follows Function. Like others have said that works fine for an art museum or some wacky theme restaurant but come on, a brain research center? While Gehry has no care in the world over how functional his buildings are I do have to wonder why the hell somebody would hire him to design this type of building. You want something designed to meet the needs of doctors and patients in the most efficient and functional way you don’t hire someone like Gehry. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/27 "2009-08-03T16:17:15Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > Ghery seems to not understand the most basic rule of architecture, Form Follows Function. “Form Follows Function” is _not_ the most basic rule of architecture. It is a principle associated with much modern architecture of the twentieth century. But most architecture is not of that type. (If the rule were universally applied, you wouldn’t have the decoration of [Beaux-Arts architecture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaux-Arts_architecture) or the crown molding in a Victorian house.) ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/28 "2009-08-03T16:23:00Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > “Form Follows Function” is _not_ the most basic rule of architecture. It is a principle associated with much modern architecture of the twentieth century. But most architecture is not of that type. (If the rule were universally applied, you wouldn’t have the decoration of [Beaux-Arts architecture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaux-Arts_architecture) or the crown molding in a Victorian house.) Some of that molding is quite functional - picture rails are very useful. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/29 "2009-08-03T16:28:19Z")
> [@sleestak](#): > > [Link](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stata_Center). Check out the lawsuit section. > > [Another link](http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/article7201.ece). Related [link](http://www.mediabistro.com/unbeige/architecture/more_information_on_frank_gehrys_leaking_art_gallery_of_ontario_111649.asp). > > Gehry is a hack. > > Slee Thanks for the information **Slee**. While I still like the looks of the buildings like this, I must admit my error in adoration if they truly are not optimal internal structures. As they seems to be the case, I owe a mea culpe to **friedo**. I shouldn’t have been so caught up in the design’s ‘wow’ factor. That said, I bet in the hands of a more competent architect they could make these exact same choices and yet produce a lovely and functional edifice. It’s a shame that Gehry opts not to and leaves devestation in his wake. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/30 "2009-08-03T16:40:46Z")
I have no use for Gehry’s designs. They’re impractical and poorly designed as buildings. And they’re unattractive and formulaic as works of art. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/31 "2009-08-03T16:51:54Z")
> [@](#): > > “Form Follows Function” is not the most basic rule of architecture. It is a principle associated with much modern architecture of the twentieth century. But most architecture is not of that type. (If the rule were universally applied, you wouldn’t have the decoration of Beaux-Arts architecture or the crown molding in a Victorian house.) Those also follow the rule of Form Follows Function: The function of crown molding etc. is decoration, and the form follows that function. But the primary function of a brain research center is brain research, and so the primary form of the building should follow that function. That means efficient use of space, easily-navigable hallways, _interiors_ that provide for an aesthetically comfortable working space, etc. If you want to also make it decorative on the outside, that’s fine, but only in so far as it does not interfere with the primary functionality. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/32 "2009-08-03T16:54:30Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > Some of that molding is quite functional - picture rails are very useful. True, but my point was that “form follows function” has specific meaning in architecture and results in buildings like the [Seagram Building](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seagram_Building) in Manhattan. Don’t get me wrong; I like the Seagram Building. But the lack of ornamentation in much modern architecture is boring. Gehry’s work is considered “postmodern”, which is the movement that responded to the lack of ornamentation of the modernists. (Note that I may be talking out of my ear; I am not at all an architect, but am an interested layman.) ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/33 "2009-08-03T17:02:54Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Those also follow the rule of Form Follows Function: The function of crown molding etc. is decoration, and the form follows that function. > > But the primary function of a brain research center is brain research, and so the primary form of the building should follow that function. That means efficient use of space, easily-navigable hallways, _interiors_ that provide for an aesthetically comfortable working space, etc. If you want to also make it decorative on the outside, that’s fine, but only in so far as it does not interfere with the primary functionality. As MarkofT says above, there is a more conventional building behind the weird facade. See the Wikipedia [article](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Ruvo_Center_for_Brain_Health) for more info, and an overhead view of the model. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/34 "2009-08-03T17:31:22Z")
[QUOTE=friedo] You know why Frank Lloyd Wright was a shitty architect? Because a lot of his buildings, while beautiful from the outside, are gigantic pieces of shit… Frank Gehry is even worse. His buildings are all failures… Several of his buildings heave leaky roofs and ventilation problems, because, guess what, you can’t fucking properly drain a roof that was designed by having a fat guy jump up and down on a pile of Legos! [/QUOTE] Funny you should mention bad roofs. FLW’s [Marin Civic Center](http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Marin_Civic_Center.html/cid_1837791.html)has been plagued with roof leaks ever since it was built. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/35 "2009-08-03T18:01:04Z")
I lvoe discussions of Gehry. It always goes something like this: That is so COOL! It doesn’t work. It’s cool! I doesn’t work. It’s cool! I doesn’t work. It’s cool! I doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/36 "2009-08-03T18:03:17Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > “Form Follows Function” is _not_ the most basic rule of architecture. It is a principle associated with much modern architecture of the twentieth century. But most architecture is not of that type. (If the rule were universally applied, you wouldn’t have the decoration of [Beaux-Arts architecture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaux-Arts_architecture) or the crown molding in a Victorian house.) No. As you say, it has a more specific meaning in modern architecture, but the concept and its applicaiton ARE architecture, and have been since early uhmans first started making lean-to’s. You might say this is the only principle in architecture, which is why I’'m not surprised, in this decadent and moronic era where sacrasm is considered wit, that its lack is considered greatness. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/37 "2009-08-03T18:12:34Z")
> [@Isamu](#): > > It’s a symptom of having more money than sense. Bingo. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2009, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/38 "2009-08-03T18:56:15Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Those also follow the rule of Form Follows Function: The function of crown molding etc. is decoration, and the form follows that function. > > But the primary function of a brain research center is brain research, and so the primary form of the building should follow that function. That means efficient use of space, easily-navigable hallways, _interiors_ that provide for an aesthetically comfortable working space, etc. If you want to also make it decorative on the outside, that’s fine, but only in so far as it does not interfere with the primary functionality. I look at that silly building and really have to wonder how navigable it is … I mean people going there or at least many of thema re going to be having cognitive issues and having that pile of whack is going to be stressful to find a path through [hansel and gretel’s breadcrumbs? Huge ball of twine?] ---
**Author:** ![MichaelQReilly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@MichaelQReilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelQReilly)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/39 "2009-08-04T03:22:19Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > I’ve been inside one of Gehry’s buildings, and felt very disorientated and claustrophobic. I couldn’t wait to get out. But it’s not PC to hate his work, so I refer to him as the Emperor’s New Clothes of architecture. Most of modern architecture is a massive exercise in Emperor’s New Clothes Syndrome. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelQReilly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@MichaelQReilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelQReilly)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2009, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087/40 "2009-08-04T03:23:59Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Except that there are buildings that initially are not liked by the general public but are so later. I’m trying to think of an example, but can’t at the moment. > > That’s not to say that Gehry’s work is among these. I’m not a huge fan of his. The usual example given is the Eifel Tower; and the story has been used to justify every hideous atrocity built over the last 75 years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-architecture-in-las-vegas-stop-laughing-and-take-a-look/505087.md?page=3)