LancasterOnline.com:Entertainment:Academy draws rave reviews for new hall and opening performance

That is one ugly looking building. I generally like modern architecture and feel it can fit in amongst older historic buildings - but this one doesn't! It doesn't fit in with the context of the street and surrounding buildings and materials. It looks dated already and looks like it was designed and built in the '60's. It's a shame the leadership of the Academy was more interested in getting some big name architect that designs monuments rather than buildings that fit the fabric of the City and neighborhood.

I also love how this multi-million dollar building looks out (with its prominent glass center portion) onto an ugly surface parking lot.

I commend Frances Veri and Michael Jamanis for founding this institution. They are very talented musicians and have contributed their world of music whole-heartedly with Lancaster. Well done!

mam - you are correct and I'm sorry if my original comments seemed rude. It is understood the Academy does great work. I applaud what the Academy does to promote music in Lancaster and the great work these two fine people do. I didn't intend to diminish their work and what they mean to Lancaster.

On the other hand, I view architecture as a very democratic and civic art and even though this building sits on private property they had a responsibility to design and construct a building that fit into the context of the City and the neighborhood - they missed the mark! I can't excuse the horrid and elitist design of that building no matter what good goes on inside of the building. Phillip Johnson (RIP) was well know as an architect that produced monuments onto himself without respecting the site and the social and cultural context of the city and neighborhood. By hiring a "starchitect" the Academy missed a wonderful opportunity to add to the richness of Lancaster's wonderful architecture. I'm not saying it had to look like an 1800's or early 1900's building....but how 'bout a bit of a nod to the forms and materials of Lancaster's rich architectural heritage? I think it's a bit arrogant they ignored these elements.

QUOTE(Save-the-Land @ Jun 12 2008, 11:36 AM)

mam - you are correct and I'm sorry if my original comments seemed rude. It is understood the Academy does great work. I applaud what the Academy does to promote music in Lancaster and the great work these two fine people do. I didn't intend to diminish their work and what they mean to Lancaster.

On the other hand, I view architecture as a very democratic and civic art and even though this building sits on private property they had a responsibility to design and construct a building that fit into the context of the City and the neighborhood - they missed the mark! I can't excuse the horrid and elitist design of that building no matter what good goes on inside of the building. Phillip Johnson (RIP) was well know as an architect that produced monuments onto himself without respecting the site and the social and cultural context of the city and neighborhood. By hiring a "starchitect" the Academy missed a wonderful opportunity to add to the richness of Lancaster's wonderful architecture. I'm not saying it had to look like an 1800's or early 1900's building....but how 'bout a bit of a nod to the forms and materials of Lancaster's rich architectural heritage? I think it's a bit arrogant they ignored these elements.

I'm no expert in architechture, so have at it. I just wanted to say thank you to the Jamanis' for continuing to grace Lancaster with their musical talents. I took piano lessons from Mr. Jamanis for a few years. I wasn't a worthy student - he is an amazing musician! But, I would certainly direct anyone serious about musical study to this Academy and the Jamanis'.