This story in the
Washington Post about the new addition to Johns Hopkins Hospital leaves me with an unpleasant feeling. While I enjoy and treasure architectural innovation and excellence, the lack of any information about the cost implications of this sculpture is troubling. Maybe they don't have to worry about such things in Maryland, where payment rates are controlled by a state rate-setting commission, but
I doubt it.
Here in Boston, we have seen similar examples of
this edifice complex -- often followed shortly thereafter by
unpersuasive claims -- based on
slippery numbers -- that the owners are engaged in intensive efforts at cost-cutting.
As a former resident long ago at Hopkins I can testify it needed an update, but original art? Sculpture? How much is to promote a healing atmosphere and how much is advertising? Sure would like JHH to explain how and why this came about.
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We have a building in Providence we affectionately call Xanadu...it is the new Blue Cross building - glows neon blue and all....Prime real estate in the center of the city. Now, after scores of layoffs, the building is not fully occupied (translation, not needed) - the most amazing thing is that the public - you and me - are not allowed into the building - only into the lobby where two receptionists take your payments and handle customer service - no one can go up - there are three chairs for waiting, and then you stand. At noontime, as the crowd grows a little larger, a security guard will yell down from the top of a wide staircase - 'move to the side - employees will be coming down for lunch' - and you expect throngs, and there is a trickle. The oddest thing, this Xanadu....
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