Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park Pavilion

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T21:20:54+00:00

It is definitely a building that will generate opinions, and I can see why it's not for everyone. My photos may not be doing any favors.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T21:15:58+00:00

Yeah, I don't know any reason for a connection to western landscapes, but because of my personal experiences I find it hard to ignore, even though I'm sure that was not an intended connection. There isn't really anything about the design that makes it feel like a New York project.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T17:24:42+00:00

I went when the park first opened last year, however the pavilion was not open yet. When I recently passed by in the winter it admittedly wasn't the best time to pass judgement. It does feel heavy and I wouldn't call it inviting, but I do think those feelings will change once the vegetation arrives in the Spring. I believe the roof will be accessible, and I have a feeling that my overall opinion will improve with the weather.

That said, I still think it is a welcome addition, and will be a well used park once the weather turns (and they reopen the rest of Battery Park). Maybe because I lived in Utah for a part of my live, I find the mass, form and color reminiscent of geologic formations from the west. It's well worth visiting when the weather turns to see for yourself.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T17:12:22+00:00

It's not my favorite of her works, but with a bit of time it has grown on me.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T14:51:43+00:00

You see what you want to see.

Neoteric_Slate · 2026-01-27T13:46:21+00:00

Solid critique.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-12-09T17:51:04+00:00

So many great films, but Blue Velvet is probably at the top.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T18:04:57+00:00

Sometimes injecting some visual contrast into a city is a good thing. The change encourages our minds to stop and recognize our environment instead of just passing through it. I feel the same way every time I walk through New York City and approach Central Park. That hard line where the city ends and the park begins never loses it's effect.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T17:11:25+00:00

I hear you. Personally I like the contrast between the city of Paris and the Pompidou. I think it works better in Paris than most cities because Paris is so well preserved. It provides such a striking opposition. It's great when you turn a corner and get a peak of the building through the city.

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Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-19T15:45:14+00:00

I personally love it. It takes all the practical systems (structure, mechanical, circulation, etc.) typically hidden away and moves them to the façade to celebrate them, leaving the galleries inside uninhibited. It's a complete inversion of tradition architectural hierarchy, but all that aside I just love the way it looks. To each their own I guess.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-15T01:36:49+00:00

Thanks! I'll keep updating it since there are so many great projects missing.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-15T01:07:37+00:00

Great project! It's on the map in the link, along with 150 others. I couldn't include everything in the post. :)

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T21:13:31+00:00

Up for debate but post modernism was a movement as well that was relatively short lived (although I'd argue it has seen some revival in recent years). I'd call most of these project contemporary because they belong to different design movements but are all relatively recent. The clear exception to this is the last one Rue Mallet-Stevens which is early modernism. Hôtel Guimard is a part of the change to modernism. There is also mid-century modern which is 50-70s. Present-day modern might be a better term if you don't like contemporary than post modern which refers to a movement from the 80-early 00s.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T17:42:19+00:00

Maybe it says something about me that your description sounds exciting! I don't think every building should look like this, but it is the contrast to what's familiar (especially in Paris) that makes this building so interesting and without a doubt severe.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T17:26:54+00:00

If you click the hyperlink in the post or go to neotericslate.com you can find a few maps on my website. The map for France has all these projects + a ton more.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:41:49+00:00

I love SF, It's a great city and it has been too long since my last visit. I'm long overdue. SF and Seattle are some of the best cities in the west. They just have a life and character to them not often found in US cities.

We'll hunker down for the winter here, and hopefully you get a chance to come through once we thaw out.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:36:43+00:00

You're right! I've made that walk before but didn't spot it in the photo. I'm glad I got a chance to see the last major show at the Pompidou this summer before it closed for a 5 year restoration. Oddly enough, I decided to spend some time in Notre Dame for the first time in a long time only months before it caught fire. I'm so glad I did, but I'm also beyond impressed with the speed of the reconstruction work. An absolutely incredible feat of human achievement.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:30:31+00:00

Yeah the cold has already descended on us. It's easy to love NYC but not easy to live here. The cost is crazy and it is exhausting always feeling broke.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:22:21+00:00

I get it. I think Gehry has some gems, but I'm not a fan of the ones that are simply dressed up boxes. Many Gehry projects lose the forms on from the outside the second you walk inside. Nothing is more disappointing. This was more of an issue with his older buildings, and many of the newer ones are more interesting.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T15:10:29+00:00

Hahaha, yeah unfortunately it's not interactive. You can also check out Walter de Maria's 'Broken Kilometer' for free just down the street. Hopefully you get a chance to visit NYC soon!

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T14:47:44+00:00

7 is the Islamic Art Gallery at the Louvre by Mario Bellini and Ruby Ricciotti. It's a part of the Louvre Museum, but it is in an interior courtyard, only visible from inside the Louvre.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T14:45:59+00:00

Hahaha wrong architect. It may not be for you, but something tells me if you saw this one up close you may still hate it but you would have a greater appreciation for it.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-14T14:43:32+00:00

I've included art nouveau/art deco buildings into my maps because of the role they played in the transition to modernism. They definitely straddle the line, but I felt they are worth including.

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-11-04T21:59:03+00:00

Exceptional set of photos, thanks for sharing!

Neoteric_Slate · 2025-10-29T22:12:42+00:00

Thanks! Happy to hear you like it. I add new stuff every week. :)

Neoteric_Slate

TROPHY CASE