Even with all their vaunted number-crunching abilities, it seems no one at MIT can say exactly how much Simmons Hall, their new Steven Holl-designed, sponge-inspired, suicidal plunge-preventing dorm actually cost.
Can't? Or won't? Metropolis reports a dispute--and a possible lawsuit against Holl--is brewing over $30-50 million in cost overruns. One inside source says of the whole construction experience, "Itís a terrible combination of hubris and ignorance."
Rejecting any assertion that his clients are dissatisfied, Holl said of his work at MIT, "It was a great honor. Great architecture is important to making daily life more inspired."
Let's see now, MIT... I guess that leaves ignorance for you.
[Update: Why not ask Holl or MIT about this next Saturday at the The University as Patron of Cutting Edge Architecture forum? (thanks for the heads up, Javier!)]
[Up-update: MIT flak denied any lawsuit plans to archinect, blamed journalist's 'opportunism.' Still, that's better than hubris or ignorance.]
