AUSTIN | The Independent | 690 FEET | 58 FLOORS | Complete - Page 68

deerhoof · #**1341** Posted **May 21, 2017, 3:04 AM**

The support for the pool was taken down in the last day or two. I think it looks really cool from below.

JACKinBeantown · #**1342** Posted **May 22, 2017, 4:09 PM**

I still think the pool is a yuuuge missed opportunity. They should have put in on the east side of the building where the roof tops out because of the CVC. There's so much space over there for a nice pool with a big deck, and it could even extend to the south to get the afternoon sun. They screwed that one up bigly.

Here's what they're making... essentially a large wading pool:

https://thumbs.trulia-cdn.com/pictur...n-TX-78701.jpg

Here's the space they could have used to make a pool you could actually swim in:

http://media.culturemap.com/crop/5d/...ape_141750.jpg

jbssfelix · #**1343** Posted **May 22, 2017, 4:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JACKinBeantown

I still think the pool is a yuuuge missed opportunity. They should have put in on the east side of the building where the roof tops out because of the CVC. There's so much space over there for a nice pool with a big deck, and it could even extend to the south to get the afternoon sun. They screwed that one up bigly.

Here's what they're making... essentially a large wading pool:

https://thumbs.trulia-cdn.com/pictur...n-TX-78701.jpg

Here's the space they could have used to make a pool you could actually swim in:

http://media.culturemap.com/crop/5d/...ape_141750.jpg

I think an argument against using that big pad is that it primarily sits to the east of the tower, therefore it would be in the shadow for most of the time that people actually want to be in the pool.

Austin55 · #**1344** Posted **May 22, 2017, 10:07 PM**

Two pools then!

The ATX · #**1345** Posted **May 22, 2017, 10:12 PM**

A couple pages back deerhoof posted that the east side of the podium was rumored to be solar panels.

Sigaven · #**1346** Posted **May 23, 2017, 2:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JACKinBeantown

I still think the pool is a yuuuge missed opportunity. They should have put in on the east side of the building where the roof tops out because of the CVC. There's so much space over there for a nice pool with a big deck, and it could even extend to the south to get the afternoon sun. They screwed that one up bigly.

Here's what they're making... essentially a large wading pool:

https://thumbs.trulia-cdn.com/pictur...n-TX-78701.jpg

Here's the space they could have used to make a pool you could actually swim in:

http://media.culturemap.com/crop/5d/...ape_141750.jpg

no way...it would never be in the afternoon sun. South or west side of the tower is where it should go. You can always use that other space for a nice rooftop green deck or something to enjoy the view that way.

smith_atx · #**1347** Posted **May 23, 2017, 3:27 PM**

If that area is significantly shaded, it won't make sense for solar.

Geckos_Rule · #**1348** Posted **May 23, 2017, 4:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by smithlua

If that area is significantly shaded, it won't make sense for solar.

As long as it's something, I think we'd all be placated. If it's solar, or a green space, or whatever, as long as it's not just a concrete roof.

the Genral · #**1349** Posted **May 23, 2017, 5:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geckos_Rule

As long as it's something, I think we'd all be placated. If it's solar, or a green space, or whatever, as long as it's not just a concrete roof.

But even if it was, it would only be visible to those living or working above it, and only directly impact the people living there. For the sake of my understanding, why does any of this matter to us?

drummer · #**1350** Posted **May 23, 2017, 10:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

But even if it was, it would only be visible to those living or working above it, and only directly impact the people living there. For the sake of my understanding, why does any of this matter to us?

I mean...if I see a concrete slab on Google Earth, I may not like it....

But in fairness, I support good use of space in general. If solar panels (assuming they get necessary sunlight to be useful) it can help to reduce the impact on the power grid. If a park, it's good for residents and takes away a large slab of concrete that could just reflect the sun and add to the already high temperatures, etc., downtown due to so much concrete, asphalt, etc. Not to mention, trees are good for hugging and such.

But in all honesty, I like rooftop parks, community gardens, etc.

I couldn't find the article I was thinking of on Hong Kong's rooftop gardens, but here is another one that's interesting to read. This is a good practice for a lot of cities. Since Austin has so many podiums by virtue of parking garages and CVCs, this could be a good thing to implement.
http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elemen...kyline-farmers

Speculator · #**1351** Posted **May 23, 2017, 10:53 PM**

The Austonian has their pool on an east side deck. It lacks afternoon sun quite a bit.

JACKinBeantown · #**1352** Posted **May 24, 2017, 12:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbssfelix

I think an argument against using that big pad is that it primarily sits to the east of the tower, therefore it would be in the shadow for most of the time that people actually want to be in the pool.

If they built the pool to the east and pushed it right up against the edge (just as with the current plan) it would get just as much sunlight, and more. It would get more because it wouldn't be partially covered by the building. It would definitely get more during the late morning to mid-afternoon when the sun is more directly overhead, and it could be much, much bigger with a really large deck. Then there could be green space to the north with grass and even some trees on the east edge out of the CVC.

If they insisted on having it where it is, they could have moved the tower portion of the building back to the north edge or angled the north and east sides of the tower to fit within the CVC lines, thus utilizing the same square footage and allowing much more room for a larger pool area on the south side.

A good architect thinks of everything.

Yuuuuuge mistake. Bigly.

KevinFromTexas · #**1353** Posted **May 25, 2017, 7:43 PM**

The Independent Austin - https://www.facebook.com/independent...type=3&theater

KevinFromTexas · #**1354** Posted **May 29, 2017, 4:58 AM**

Over Austin - https://www.facebook.com/overaustin/...type=3&theater

corvairkeith · #**1355** Posted **May 29, 2017, 10:44 PM**

today

Urbannizer · #**1356** Posted **May 31, 2017, 10:14 PM**

Lady Bird Lake by Rock Studios, on Flickr

clubtokyo · #**1357** Posted **May 31, 2017, 10:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbannizer

Lady Bird Lake by Rock Studios, on Flickr

You should post this in the city compilations for Austin. Great shot.

the Genral · #**1358** Posted **Jun 1, 2017, 1:05 AM**

Will there ever be the possibility that the gaps east and west of the W will ever be filled?

loonytoony · #**1359** Posted **Jun 1, 2017, 3:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

Will there ever be the possibility that the gaps east and west of the W will ever be filled?

Definitely to the West. There's a surface parking lot just behind Amli (South of Republic Square, East of 360). No CVC's so it could go high.

SkyPie · #**1360** Posted **Jun 1, 2017, 3:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

Will there ever be the possibility that the gaps east and west of the W will ever be filled?

I also wouldn't be surprised if one or both of the buildings flanking the city hall are replaced sometime over the next 20 years. As downtown land becomes more scarce for high-rise development, it'll likely make sense to replace lower density buildings such as these.