Fortunately, I think this building is far away enough from the EMP so that the two won't combine for an architectural blob gang-bang on the rest of south lake union. Let's all pray for the envelope and its 1 million glazing seams during a good wet February.

Shame that a respectable firm couldn't come up with something other than the Jekyll and Hyde - business in the front party in the rear - design scheme (which btw, I think will be a welcome addition by the public). I'm guessing the development of the box is what allowed for the development of the ball. Personally, I'd prefer a more cohesive approach to the site as a whole. ONE building to do all of the things these two are trying to do - because look what happens: you get a less than sleek open steel tube canopy that inches its way from one entry to the next. In plan it's the uncut umbilical cord of your baby the alien. Imagine that canopy, but 10 feet taller, spanning the entire liminal space. Unprogrammed and flexible. Something that isn't just about retail. Markets, seniors bingo, tai-chi, fall salsa dancing, you name it. Anything to get out of the rain and not be instantly sold something.