Wow, I'd totally go study there.

My only fear is it is a bit too "modern" for its own good. A lot of the photos looked fine, but the big candy looking parts of the library are far from timeless. It will be cool for 5 years, but what about in 15?

I think there is a fine line between classic and modern -- a mix of the two creates something that will never grow old or out of style. For example: Audrey Hepburn and the Guggenheim in New York City are both classic and forever modern.

You do have a point. I think timelessness has to do with quality. If it is good enough, strictly modern design will look good for many years.

And give then in 25 years it will be cool again. Like this Trans Am. I'd have to put an NES in it with an LCD.

the candy stuff is just plain silly. it looks like pod in philadelphia. too bad they don't maintain the facade of the guggenheim as they should.

Speaking of the firebird, you reminded me of an excellent essay on design by Paul Graham. He says that in order to design something for the future, you have to look to the past. If you can design something that people find attractive in the present day that would have also been attractive 500 years ago, then there is a good chance it will be attractive in another 500 years.

Among the well designed things Graham mentions in the essay: the LISP programming language, the Porsche 911, the SR-71 and the Pantheon.

Yes, the Guggenheim needs a good sanding and paint job.

Gah. An asthetic poke in the eye.