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Tampa needs design sizzle

By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published February 16, 2007

The pay stubs call him the architect, but Stanley Saitowitz is being looked upon to do more than design Tampa's new art museum. His building could reshape Tampa's cultural appeal, build new support for the arts and change the look of a downtown that needs a dose of architectural character.

Saitowitz was in town the other day to hear what the public wanted from his design. After years of delays and recriminations stemming from the failed Vinoly project, it is clear many have lowered expectations and merely want something in the ground. But this is no time to give aesthetics short shrift. Saitowitz should design the museum for an off-street site behind a parking garage and railroad track. The building should have enough appeal to get people in the door without overwhelming a riverfront park the mayor conceded to museum trustees. He should also be bold enough to make a statement in a city where public buildings have rarely been used to shape the architectural landscape.

Saitowitz has little land to work with, and his marching orders seem overly driven by the budget and future expansion. He should respect the park and use his design to bring the nearby amenities together in a waterfront arts district. Right now, the museum, library and performing arts center, while within walking distance, offer visitors an isolated experience. The only thing the three share is the garage, ironic because the eyesore also separates the venues, visually and physically.

The site is not the best, but Saitowitz has enough land and money to build a quality museum. He also has positive trends to work with, from a growing downtown to a mayor who insists the new facility start off with a solid business plan. However one feels about the Vinoly fiasco, the city has had a useful debate by focusing on the real factors that determine a museum's livelihood. If Saitowitz incorporates these lessons into his design, Tampa might finally have a blueprint to get excited about.

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 01:02:48]