Odd. Kalmanovitz Hall renovation

USF's Kalmanovitz Hall, once named
Campion Hall, underwent extensive renovation
in the summer of 2008. As a result
Kalmanovitz Hall and adjoining Cowell Hall are
now connected.

The new connection between both existing
structures is formed by a "high-tech" narrow
metal and glass strip that works as new
entrance to the Kalmanovitz Hall. If we
approach to the building from the Harney
Science Center located across campus, the
connection appears to be a new, elegant, and
appropriate solution that links two differently
styled buildings through a rather incorporeal
and light structure. When it is dark outside,
and the lights are on, the effect of a luminous
transition between the two structures is quite
beautiful.


But advancing closer brings the bitter realization
that all the previously observed elegance and
self control suddenly vanish. The building leans
forward awkwardly in an completely unnecessary
(and expensive to build) juggling gesture. Instead
of connecting its neighbors, it now competes with
them in a completely superfluous exercise to
maintain equilibrium. Conflict is created where
there was calm.

When asked about the difficulty of composing, the
great German composer Johannes Brahms
responded that for him composing was not at all
hard compared to the fabulous difficulty of leaving
superfluous notes under the table.