Some of you may have seen the renderings of the new federal courthouse to be built on the block west of Republic Square Park:

The project is being designed by Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects of Atlanta, Georgia.  For more details check out this page on the City of Austin Website.

Chris Bradford at Austin Contrarian has commented about on the location and design.  My favorite line from Chris (comparing the Austin courthouse to pedestrian-unfriendly courthouses in other cities):

The Austin courthouse will not be any better.  No, that’s not strong enough — it will be hideous according to the rendering I’ve seen.  It will frighten old people and make little children cry.  That’s no way to encourage foot traffic in the area.

That’s pretty harsh, but I can’t really argue.  When I saw it I immediately thought of a Slate.com slideshow called ‘The Jenga Effect’:

…Buildings once strove for solidity—not merely to be stable but also to look stable, hence the optical corrections in ancient Greek architecture such as entasis, a subtle tapering of columns that makes them appear more settled to the human eye. Even the Empire State Building tapers as it rises, as if to assure us that the tall structure will not tip over. Not anymore.

Of course, federal courthouses have very specific security requirements which constrain the design.  I will say it could be worse:

When I saw this new Federal building in downtown San Francisco in person, I could only think of one thing:

It’s a very cool design, but it looms over the surrounding area.

Perhaps I am being too harsh. Now it’s your turn, what do you think of the Austin courthouse design?

I’ve been extremely busy lately – trying to catch up on posting.  Here’s a recent Statesman article of interest:

It’s a big time for mid-century modern in Austin

Midcentury modern architecture conjures, for many people, images of Palm Springs, Calif., in the 1950s: sliding glass patio doors opening to long, rectangular swimming pools, angled roofs, metallic lighting fixtures, aqua-colored kitchens and furniture that could have been featured on a "Jetsons" episode…

The article mentions a few of the MCM homes on the market in Austin today, as well as the ‘Birth of Cool’ exhibit at the Blanton.  If you haven’t been be sure to check it out.  Here’s an image from the Blanton brochure: 

If you’re new to Austin’s MCM scene, be sure to check out Ben’s Blog.  He’s been covering MCM homes in Austin for years.

No, it’s not for sale.  See all photos and details at the Bercy Chen Studio website.

via Contemporist

This home looks amazing, great photos!   Here are the listing details: 5704 Lakemoore Drive

… and why shouldn’t they?  MSNBC.com travel writer Karen Valby lists 25 reasons we love Austin.

It’s a great list that relates each item to local attractions and businesses.  Check it out:

MSNBC.com – 25 reasons we love Austin, Texas

Link courtesy my favorite Austin radio show – Chillville

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Krikit

My wife and I are traveling to San Francisco this Spring and we’re looking for a modern BnB or Hotel in the South of Market or Union Square area.  Since many of you are from San Francisco, I thought I would ask your advice.

In Austin we have places like Hotel San Jose or Kimber Modern.  If you have any recommendations for Modern lodging in this area of San Francisco please comment on this post or email me: ryan at inspiredaustin.com.

Thanks!

This Brykerwoods listing was designed by James D. LaRue and built by Risinger Homes.  See Matt’s blog for a few videos explaining details of the design.

See the full listing info here: 3305 Oakmont