The document discusses architectural standards being considered for downtown Fort Wayne, IN. It provides examples of contemporary building designs and asks if they would comply with the proposed standards. The author believes the standards would make exceptional new buildings near impossible and reduce creativity, leaving a "mediocre middle". They ask if each design example could be considered compatible and appropriate under the standard's definitions. The examples showcase a variety of materials, window patterns, and architectural styles from around the world.

1. 2/9/10
The following images represent admittedly provocative examples of architectural possibilities related to
ideas of context and compatibility. They were presented at the West Central Neighborhood Plan Committee
meeting on 2/8/2010. Attending were Sherese Fortriede and Pat Fahey, who were there to discuss the draft
Downtown Design Standards. The examples were not meant to be exhaustive or even typical, but were meant
simply to generate discussion about how the Standards could/might be interpreted and how those
interpretations might affect future design in downtown Fort Wayne, IN.
It is my belief that if the Standards are approved as proposed, the types of buildings shown here would be
improbable at best and near impossible at worst. Of course affinity for any of the examples is purely
subjective. But many are award-winning designs, and all represent creative, progressive expressions of
architecture. Furthermore, I believe that according to the definitions of “compatible” and “appropriate”
contained in the Glossary, any and all of them could easily comply.
Fort Wayne needs to take steps to reduce substandard buildings. But she shouldn’t sacrifice the possibility of
exceptional buildings to make that happen. These standards will eliminate both, leaving a mediocre middle.
Some people will say that anything is better than what we have now. But I disagree. Long-term, it’s actually
possible to make things worse. And the last thing downtown Fort Wayne needs now and in the future is more
mediocrity.
Scott Greider, RA
Scott Greider I Architecture

2. From the Glossary definition of Compatible : “Compatibility does not mean „the same as‟.” That definition is
generally accepted. But how can someone possibly read these illustrations and not conclude the intent is to
create identical buildings? Even the best architects would have difficulty creating anything other than mirror
images of the existing if these illustrations are used as bases for what is or is not compatible.
Scott Greider I Architecture

3. Contemporary : “Designs tend to rely on recent material
and design innovations.” Obviously, contemporary
construction techniques allow for if not encourage all sorts
of “rhythms”, including irregular and asymmetrical façade
patterns.
Scott Greider I Architecture 137 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY, Levenson McDavid Architects, P.C.

4. Appropriate: “Pre-approved ideas and materials… Submission of appropriate projects will be viewed favorably…
Is this an example of a non-approved material that would have a harder time being approved?
Scott Greider I Architecture Ann Demeulemeester Shop, Seoul, Korea, Mass Studies

5. Is material color compatible? Is absence of cornice acceptable? (“A cornice, parapet or comparable detail shall
be used at the top of buildings…”) Are windows proportionate?
Scott Greider I Architecture Split-level House, Philadelphia, PA, Qb (cube)

6. Is it compatible with adjacent buildings? Is corner emphasized in acceptable manner?
Scott Greider I Architecture Split-level House, Philadelphia, PA, Qb (cube)

7. Is wood and metal below 3’ acceptable? Are windows proportionate? Is material compatible to adjacent
structures?
Scott Greider I Architecture Clinton Condos, Portland, OR, Holst Architecture

8. Is street level transparent enough? Is roof compatible to adjacent? Are windows compatible? Is entrance
orientation acceptable? Is it compatible with adjacent structures?
Scott Greider I Architecture Elementary School, Courbevoie, France, BP Architectures

9. Are windows compatible? Is lack of “clear delineation between the three main horizontal divisions of a
structure” acceptable?
Scott Greider I Architecture Villa Saitan Apartments, Kyoto, Japan, Eastern Design Office

10. Is synthetic material appropriate? Are window patterns appropriate? Is integral fiberglass canopy
acceptable?
Scott Greider I Architecture Otto Bock Building, Berlin, Germany, Gnadinger Architects

11. Is synthetic/metal material appropriate? Are window patterns appropriate? Is it compatible with adjacent
structures? Is this an acceptable “clear delineation between the three main horizontal divisions of a structure”?
Scott Greider I Architecture Cherokee Lofts, Los Angeles, CA, Pugh + Scarpa

12. Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)
Scott Greider I Architecture House Vvg, Vianen, The Netherlands, Grosfeld Van Der Velde Architecten

13. Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)
Scott Greider I Architecture Brick Weave House, Chicago, IL, Studio Gang

14. Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)
Scott Greider I Architecture 40 Bond Street, NYC, NY Herzog & De Meuron

15. Is this considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? (height, scale, mass and bulk of structure,
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, landscaping, lighting, and architecture)
Scott Greider I Architecture 33 Vestry Street, NYC, NY Winka Dubbeldam

16. Is this considered “compatible” according to Part X. Glossary? Is this considered a “clear delineation
between the three main horizontal divisions of a structure”?
Scott Greider I Architecture New Museum, NYC, NY SANAA

17. Is this considered “compatible”?
Scott Greider I Architecture New Museum, NYC, NY SANAA

18. Is this considered compatible? Is this considered a “clear delineation between the three main horizontal
divisions of a structure”?
Scott Greider I Architecture 497 Greenwich Street, NYC, NY Winka Dubbeldam

19. Are these considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? They have pedestrian-friendly
storefronts, human-scaled elements, richness of materials, etc.,
Scott Greider I Architecture Lightmos Thonglor, Bangkok, Thailand, Architectkidd; Ann Demeulemeester Shop, Seoul, Korea, Mass Studies

20. Are these considered compatible according to Part X. Glossary? They have pedestrian-friendly
storefronts, human-scaled elements, richness of materials, etc.,
Scott Greider I Architecture Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, OH, Zaha Hadid; One Kenmare Square, NYC, NY, Gluckman Mayner Architects

21. Is material compatible? Is use of single material acceptable? Is color appropriate? (no variation
as recommended…)
Scott Greider I Architecture 290 Mulberry, NYC, NY, SHoP Architects

22. Is this window signage appropriate, even though it exceeds 25%?
Scott Greider I Architecture Sullivan College of Technology & Design, Louisville, KY

23. Would this “mirrored” glass be prohibited? Similar to the Standard Federal building, it’s reflectance value is
high, but how, exactly, is “mirrored glass” defined in Part II, C.1.8?
Scott Greider I Architecture M3/KG, Tokyo, Japan, Mount Fuji Architects Studio

24. Is this residential townhouse appropriate and compatible?
Scott Greider I Architecture The Envelope, Dallas, TX, Buchanan Architecture