Thoughts on design and urbanism from a roman face name.

The Architect’s Newspaper (permanent link at right) is a new publication, the focus of which should be self-evident. The diversity of their editorial board, and their (or so they claimed to me) independent status means for some lively and unbiased wrinting (read: it doesn’t sound like they are in hock to the building materials industry). Though brief, the gossip column alone is worth the price of admission (well, to cranky fans of architecture anyway). They only offer a limited amount of online content. Current issue has an article on the renovation of the Stillwell Avenue complex, which serves the the terminus for several BMT lines (B/D/F/N), as well as a large repair yard and shop complex. Not to mention being the gateway to Coney Island. I was fond of the general air of disrepair of the old terminal in that occassional visitor/voyuer way, partially because it coincided so well with my prejudice of Coney as a seedy, aging icon. And because, even as a dirty and underused facility, I happen to find the design of much of the NYC subway to be a fine example of civic architecture. Rational, but not sterile, it exhibits a nice restraint, but also is varigated enough to reflect the diversity of neighborhoods. Some of the recent renovations (72nd Street IRT, Union Square, and much of Times Square) are marvels, updating the style (the stainless steel railing system at the north end of the N/R platform at Times Square is a festishists dream) without abandoning it, restoring or creating the tile work that is the best signifier of the system. The plans for Stillwell seem to promise the same approach here, with a restoration of most of the puclic areas and the inclusion of a large scale peice by Robert Wilson. The renovated platforms open in May, and the building is project to be completed in the next year.