Eastman School of Music announces big expansion based on an original concept by George Eastman

Standing on the corner diametric and seeing Eastman Theater, i had long thought it somewhat ugly and asymmetric. Now, i seldom require symmetry for beauty, but in this case the facade feels unbalanced without the wing George Eastman had originally intended. I suppose none of this truly matters—after all, except for architects and photographers, few stand from this perspective and criticize—were a proposal for yet a new performing arts theater not inching toward development and from where many people will see Eastman from this perspective.

Who cares whether the addition boasts a frieze symmetric with one flanking right? It's just a decorative facade anyway. What truly matters is how people use Eastman and the space surrounding it, and here the proposed design succeeds in extending the suspended, brightly lighted canopy over the brick sidewalk promenade.

Now i only hope the University and Chaintreuil Jensen & Stark Architects make the best of this opportunity to seek best practices, innovate, and design an award-winning LEED Platinum building, despite any limitations set decades ago by George Eastman.