Letter: No enthusiasm for architect’s plan

Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 | 11:28 a.m.

In the Feb. 11 Las Vegas Sun the design of the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Institute was unveiled. The Sun presented a favorable review of architect Frank Gehry's new work. As a retired structural engineer, I do not share in the enthusiasm for the proposed building.

It will be a very expensive structure because it has so many exterior surfaces and odd angles. The building will be prone to water leaks because of its strange configuration and many exterior joints. The structural designers will have a real challenge arranging structural support for a building with no continuity for column or beam supports.

The interior functionality of the building is unknown to me. But I doubt that a topsy-turvy assemblage of blocks can provide a functional interior.

The exterior steel and glass lattice work structure, proposed as an atrium, will be a nightmare for structural designers, fabricators and builders. It looks like the structure melted down: Was the design inspired by the skeletons of the fallen towers of the World Trade Center?

It appears that because a renowned architect was hired to design the building, we all are supposed to cheer for his work. One is reminded of the children's story of the emperor and his new clothes. If I recall rightly the emperor was naked but the populace felt required to applaud his clothing. I do not feel required to applaud Frank Gehry's design. It is terrible.

Richard N. Fulton, Henderson