I think of Antoine Predock’s design for Austin’s City Hall as an example of starchitect detritus; however, there is one thing Predock got absolutely right—it’s a place to be seen. The design is a collection of display cases. Throughout the building are conference rooms surrounded by glass and appropriately nick-named “fishbowls.” The chambers for Council & Commissions are surrounded by glass. At any time, any citizen can walk up and see their government in action. The structure splintering atrium features a grand stair, catwalks and well placed, highly visible waiting areas for well-heeled and handsome courtiers to eddy. These areas allow the politically ambitious to observe competitors and to be observed as they vie for attention. Transparency of government was the design goal, but the opportunity to show off, to be seen, to mill about in a way that says “Look at me, I’m somebody important” is the result. Like the courtiers within it, the building itself attempts to be seen. Framed by static background buildings, Predock’s confused striated pile tries so very hard to be seen as important. Is this architecture or simply form making goofiness? If it gets your attention I suppose it’s doing it’s job.
"The Antechamber of the Sala del Maggior Consiglio" Francesco Guardi