If the new building blocks the shimmer wall, I wonder if there’s a possible way to move it to the back of the new building? I noticed those pics of the options don’t show a West side view.
It was said above they’re about the same price. They look like different finishes on the same structure, so more “I want a spoiler on my Civic” and less “I want a Lamborghini”
But on a different note, would you have said the same thing about the added expense of the shimmer wall? Sometimes good architecture is nice for its own sake, even if it’s not measureable.
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Good idea let’s send this to melton
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They talked a lot about the shimmer wall, they have obviously gotten a lot of feedback, but they said it was not feasible to move it b/c of (1) expense, it is made up of like 80,000 individual tiles and would be difficult and expensive to move, and (2) it shields the HVAC equipment at the existing convention center and if they moved it they would need something to go in its place.
I didn’t find the arguments 100% compelling. For instance, why can’t we do a new shimmer wall on the expansion if it is not feasible to move the existing one? But they proactively discussed it before they even revealed the three designs of the expansion, so they have obviously gotten a lot of questions about it and have decided to proceed in this manner.
I agree it is a shame, it is one of the very few interesting and unique things in the Raleigh skyline and it is a big loss to the city’s identity for it to be so much less visible after this expansion. They were like “you will be able to see it when you are on the second floor of the expansion” which obviously doesn’t make up for losing the ability to see it from all over town…
Save the Shimmer wall!
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If they had some sort of similar public art / facade treatment on the upper levels of the South face of the expansion, it would pretty much be guaranteed from not being blocked since it would face the amphitheater and would be viewed from a lot ways away with it being the entry to downtown from the south. Would also give some cohesiveness between the expansion and original convention center.
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Art craving would be very nice and glowing paint
I’m ok with leaving the shimmer wall in it’s place as long as we get a similarly impactful piece of art elsewhere in this project. Shimmer wall was custom built for it’s location, and has had a good run as a focal point, use this opportunity to add to our public art.
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I think that Edgy looks most consistent with the existing convention center, but I could also see Curvy working as well. Rounded just doesn’t feel connected to me.
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Rounded is a fascist building. LITERALLY Hitler would want this one…
Edgy is for They/Them. Curvy is for YOU.
Too soon? LOL
I’ll see myself out…
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Even something as simple as a frit pattern in the glass. Could be up-lit / back-lit with programmable LED lighting, etc. Hey, then you could see it from inside the building as well!
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‘Curvy’ gives me Hunt Library vibes.
‘Rounded’ would be a unique building for Raleigh and is unlike any other convention center in the States that I’m familiar with. This design is one I’d expect to find in a European city.
‘Edgy’ is an interesting combination of elements from the existing convention center as well as the new city hall tower.
All in all, I hope ‘Rounded’ is selected as the design, although I’d be happy with ‘Edgy’ and can understand why it would be chosen. ‘Curvy’ is alright, but seems to lack a true identity and uniqueness that I find in ‘Rounded’ and ‘Edgy’.
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Okay let’s go with southeast 1
I like that the “Edgy” option has one open-air sky bridge, giving people the chance to cross with fresh air and a different perspective. I don’t see that in the other two options.
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Huh??? 
Characters
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They should really put you in charge of design. You need to send this in to the powers that be @anon8787296
At the meeting they mentioned that the open bridge has already been ruled out, they just didn’t change the rendering, so don’t get your hopes up for that.
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Yeah, I don’t imagine that conventioneers would like the idea of getting wet when crossing from one side of the center to the other.
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We only have three choice rounded 123
I don’t think anyone wants to smell car exhaust while enjoying a convention. Also, the outdoor art exhibit in Hudson Yards should give you the reason why an open bridge with glass railings is not a good idea.