The new Convo should be like people or a book. Don't judge it by the cover. It is whats inside that counts.

24 I agree that the meat of the new Convo is inside, but the cover is very important too, because it attracts public attention and interest, hopefully of the positive kind. Also, there's no reason why a project as large and important as this can't have both a pleasing and dynamic exterior, as well as a nicely thought out and functional interior. Let's just hope we get both...as JMU deserves nothing less than a first-class venue.


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(04-19-2014 08:47 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  24 I agree that the meat of the new Convo is inside, but the cover is very important too, because it attracts public attention and interest, hopefully of the positive kind. Also, there's no reason why a project as large and important as this can't have both a pleasing and dynamic exterior, as well as a nicely thought out and functional interior. Let's just hope we get both...as JMU deserves nothing less than a first-class venue.


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Agreed. The exterior architecture of projects such as these are as important as what's inside. Whether you admit it or not a good stadium legitimizes a program as big time, both for fans and recruits, and a lousy architecture (or outdated as in the current convo) reinforces a small time feel.

Right now on a global scale stadium architecture is probably the most fantastic and artistic (bringing the wow factor) than any other type of building design going on. If you're going to build one, go big on the design budget, it is worth the extra cost.

I don't have a lot of faith in our admin lately, but the one area they have done a good job with is building. BFS certainly is appealing. It would be nice to see a blow up of the new Convo to get a better look.

(04-19-2014 08:32 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  The new Convo should be like people or a book. Don't judge it by the cover. It is whats inside that counts.

The inside and outside need to be functional and attractive. I want something on my U campus that has architecture of note and not Dick's. Maybe the pic is just not a good one. John Paul Jones Arena not Dick's.

(04-19-2014 08:58 AM)JMU1985 Wrote:  

(04-19-2014 08:32 AM)BSKB 24 Wrote:  The new Convo should be like people or a book. Don't judge it by the cover. It is whats inside that counts.

The inside and outside need to be functional and attractive. I want something on my U campus that has architecture of note and not Dick's. Maybe the pic is just not a good one. John Paul Jones Arena not Dick's.

First of all JMU is not gonna be building the JPJ. And second the JPJ is impressive looking from one side. From the side everyone goes in --- it pretty much looks sort of like a Dicks Sporting Good Store itself.

If you build it in a relatively flat area and build down inside like a pit that gives you a lot less architectural options. If you choose to build up you have more options to play with the architecture and it is more coliseum like, which is not what folks are building that much anymore --- unless you want a mini Richmond Coliseum or Norfolk Scope.

It is in the early planning stages and probably need to wait a bit before making yet another mountain out of a mole hill.

Another idea is if you personally don't like it --- donate about $20 million and I am sure the administration will take your opinion very seriously.

This is input from an alum who cares about JMU and not rant.

Forbes Center was beautifully done. BFS, Plecker Center, also well done. I have hope.

There is like 6 columns that form three Ms sticking out in front and they almost look like they are not connected to the building. The facility also appears to be very wide with smaller structures attached on the side. I wonder if those are separate practice facilities.
Based on this blurry image, I am somewhat underwhelmed, but I will reserve final judgement because they have done such a good job with all the other construction projects. I really like the Asian inspired architecture of UREC and would like to see that used on the new convo and other buildings on east campus. It's probably a lot cheaper to build than bluestone, but is very unique and adds to the campus design.

In addition to BFS, Forbes Center, and UREC, look at the new U-Park, Bioscience building, the renovations to the old RMH and Duke Hall, Veterans Memorial Stadium...when we get the new convo, I expect nothing less than top notch. Everything we've had built in the last 5-7 years has been incredible and first class and the convo will be no different.

(04-19-2014 02:08 PM)dukes13 Wrote:  In addition to BFS, Forbes Center, and UREC, look at the new U-Park, Bioscience building, the renovations to the old RMH and Duke Hall, Veterans Memorial Stadium...when we get the new convo, I expect nothing less than top notch. Everything we've had built in the last 5-7 years has been incredible and first class and the convo will be no different.

I sure hope you're correct. The blurry illustration doesn't inspire much confidence...and while I agree that most of the new construction on campus is well done, the illustrations (and final construction) of the new ballpark left too much on the table as it concerns aesthetics and functionality.

Hopefully when architectural renderings of the new convo are released to the general public they will show a more exciting street elevation and "wow" factor.

(04-18-2014 03:15 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  Anyone have an idea what this architectural rendering is supposed to illustrate?



It was on an easel at the Forbes home, present during the announcement kicking off the $12 million fundraising campaign for the new Convo.

None of the photos taken that evening are clear enough to indicate exactly what it is supposed to represent, but it might be assumed it is someone's idea of what the new JMU Convo/basketball arena will look like.

If it is indeed a rendering of the new Convo, the people in charge of funding this design (which strikes me as the bastard child of a Walmart store front) need to be removed immediately from any position of influence.

Looks like a bad reproduction of the Siegel Center, playing floor basically underground. We need a facility that is visible from several miles away.
Hope I'm wrong, and perhaps it's just another rendering of one of Forbes ugly strip malls.

I've yet to get a survey for the new convo like they did for BFS. Hopefully that will come out soon before final renderings are done by the architect.

There are many things that can be done to maximize the impact of a new arena.

Location, location, location - has the be highly visible and easy to get in/out for vehicles. BFS is a huge billboard seen by tens of thousands on the interstate every day. Probably a good idea to get that visibility for the convo.
Out of sight, out of mind.

The Forbes Center advertises upcoming shows right there on main st and I'm positive that helps their sales. If the new convo is back by the arboretum, there won't be any eyeballs on the advertising.

Ideas that are better than the original proposed location...
Where Godwin is - Boston College model tied into a future BFS expansion footprint.

On top of the hill where ISAT parking lot D2 is. Can be seen from miles away around the city.

Tied into the new campus conference center/ hotel slated for the main st./ Cantrell area.

I don't think it's up for debate as to where it's going to be. I think it would be cool to do something like BC as well but it's just not going to happen for a lot of reasons first of which is getting in and out of there would be a nightmare and they've made moves to minimize traffic on campus.

I've actually been told that the new convo location is not set in stone. The leading location is the old softball field on university near the current convo... but it is not final. I do not know what the other options being considered are.

I have mixed feelings personally about the softball field location, but I also cannot think of a better location.

As much as I'd like to implode Godwin tomorrow, I guess you'd have to build a new swimming & diving complex or include it as an aside to the new convo and relocate a lot of other things including athletic offices, classrooms, etc. I hate that building but it's easier said than done getting rid of it.

I know JMU is buying up all those properties in the neighborhood between the current convo and Days Inn. I wonder if they wouldn't look to build it there...Literally right off the highway, lots of visibility, and some decent road expansion could make it much easier to navigate by car, bike, and pedestrian traffic. Probably unlikely, but it could work. It's definitely enough land and the parking for the current convo could still be utilized along with a deck being built.

Well at least the clock tower, or whatever it is, from the master plan is there. I'll wait and see. JMU sucks at a few things but the design and look of buildings is not one of them.

A couple of other views of the new convo in the master plan....clock etc. ...will be nice

(04-20-2014 06:55 PM)JMUDuke2002 Wrote:  Well at least the clock tower, or whatever it is, from the master plan is there. I'll wait and see. JMU sucks at a few things but the design and look of buildings is not one of them.

bingo.