Re:Why is simple decoration so rare in recent work?
by tompark on Wednesday May 01, 2024 @02:06AM
(#40220054)
I have a lifetime membership to Mechanic's Library so I recognized the stairway and re-read the article to confirm which office building he was talking about.
I get what you mean about old buildings in SF (living in a drafty victorian is not as pleasant as a modern flat), but I love that particular building. I always take the stairs instead of the elevator, striding two steps at a time, whether going up or down, they're not slippery. The bathrooms are indeed funky but pleasant enough, and even ventilated with an open window. The oak tables by the huge multistory windows on both library floors are a wonderful work environment, with decent outlets and wifi.
Yes, looking at that office building from 1910 is pleasurable.
However, using that office building from 1910 kinda sucks.
Your electrical outlets are generally terrible and in weird places. Your toilets are tiny and cramped. Those marble floors and steps are a terrible slip hazard with even a tiny amount of water on them. The AC and heating are generally unreliable and probably noisy because they are individual to a window or office rather than central. Elevators are probably various levels of functional. etc.
Something built in the last 20 years with that kind of style would be quite pleasant. Something actually from 1910? Not so much.