The image at right is an early version of various concepts for ubiquitous native artisanal expression. A terrazzo "Austintatious" theme is shown in the atrium well to baggage claim. Hand forged detail is incorporated in the upper well railings.
Austin's new convention center failed to incorporate any creative artisan work. Facing considerable protest the same architectural firm, Page Sutherland Page, conceded the need to enrich the airport architecture, at the human scale, with custom hand work. Sadly PSP's artisan process was conducted in private insider circles where the public was explicitly excluded. A scandalous "bid rigging" push collapased as the project was rebid, and most of the insiders slunk away from the controversy. In the end only two insiders got work, both AIA members, Only one is to actually work hands-on and the other is merely supervising detail, which is considered very soft work. The best Austin artisans, many of them second and third generation masters, had no chance to compete on a merit basis.
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The image at right is an early version of various concepts for ubiquitous native artisanal expression. A terrazzo "Austintatious" theme is shown in the atrium well to baggage claim. Hand forged detail is incorporated in the upper well railings. |
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Alternative Airport Perspective  |
Various elevations |
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