Granted, San Jose is not known for its stunning skyline. It's not NYC. And it's not known for it's innovative architecture either. So the skyline is nothing to write home about. But, more and more there are new architectural projects that are transforming the Heart of Silicon Valley into a city befitting the 21st Century. I realize that's talk that borders on the hyperbolic, but I beg your indulgence.
Flip through any San Jose Attraction Guide and chances are your won't find the height limit imposed on all buildings in downtown mentioned. Unlike the Roman curtailment on building because of Saint Peter's Dome, downtown San Jose has the unfortunate fate of being in the direct flight path of the Mineta International Airport. Actually, the buildings tend to slope to accommodate the landing trajectories of the flight paths. So, in some parts of downtown buildings can't be taller than 300 feet.
By most standards there's not much aesthetic appeal when it comes to downtown San Jose. It is not going to take your breath away. Manhattan is a far cry from downtown San Jose. The majority of buildings are blockish bunkers with little or no appeal. Of course, greedy developers built them in the late Fifties and Sixties and they cared little about bulldozing the unique buildings that had been standing. With the exception of a few historic hotels, like the Sainte Claire and the De Anza, there are few traces of the old downtown.
Sadly, the most daring buildings in and around downtown San Jose tend to be government or municipal buildings. Case in point: the Children's Discovery Museum and the Tech Museum of Innovation. They both utilize unique exteriors and dashing color schemes. Accordingly, the newly renovated City Hall -- designed by Richard Meier -- has been a welcome shot of innovation and a prime example of what the city could be.
Compounding the irony is the fact that art has become a high commodity in San Jose. This incorporates both public and private art projects and museums. Point of fact: San Jose was one of the first cities in California to adopt a public art ordinance that maintains 2% of all building projects include some kind of art project that transforms the visual landscape of the city. Slowly, but surely, the city is becoming something totally unique.
Flip through any San Jose Attraction Guide and chances are your won't find the height limit imposed on all buildings in downtown mentioned. Unlike the Roman curtailment on building because of Saint Peter's Dome, downtown San Jose has the unfortunate fate of being in the direct flight path of the Mineta International Airport. Actually, the buildings tend to slope to accommodate the landing trajectories of the flight paths. So, in some parts of downtown buildings can't be taller than 300 feet.
By most standards there's not much aesthetic appeal when it comes to downtown San Jose. It is not going to take your breath away. Manhattan is a far cry from downtown San Jose. The majority of buildings are blockish bunkers with little or no appeal. Of course, greedy developers built them in the late Fifties and Sixties and they cared little about bulldozing the unique buildings that had been standing. With the exception of a few historic hotels, like the Sainte Claire and the De Anza, there are few traces of the old downtown.
Sadly, the most daring buildings in and around downtown San Jose tend to be government or municipal buildings. Case in point: the Children's Discovery Museum and the Tech Museum of Innovation. They both utilize unique exteriors and dashing color schemes. Accordingly, the newly renovated City Hall -- designed by Richard Meier -- has been a welcome shot of innovation and a prime example of what the city could be.
Compounding the irony is the fact that art has become a high commodity in San Jose. This incorporates both public and private art projects and museums. Point of fact: San Jose was one of the first cities in California to adopt a public art ordinance that maintains 2% of all building projects include some kind of art project that transforms the visual landscape of the city. Slowly, but surely, the city is becoming something totally unique.
About the Author:
If you'd like to find out more about the jewel of the South Bay, you can find a San Jose attraction guide online now.
Ingen kommentarer:
Send en kommentar