Barclays Center

Barclays Center

By: Andrew Ewing

The Brooklyn Nets moved into their new basketball arena, the Barclays Arena. The buildings' façade has been a topic of debate. The façade is primarily wrapped with a glass curtain wall system and "weathering steel.  Weathering steel is not an uncommon material choice used on homes in and around New York City, however, the use of this product is on an entirely larger scale and certainly stands out.  The New York Times is reporting that the building contains 12,000 pieces of this material.  According to Elizabeth Harris,

            "Weathering steel often known by its old brand name, Cor-Ten, develops a fine layer of   rust which then acts as a protective coating against moisture, slowing its own corrosion    of process almost to a stop. While it can look suspiciously unfinished to the casual     observer, it has many fans in the world of art and architecuture."

One of the major complaints about this product is that the rust seeps own to the pavement and stains the sidewalks and stoops. That's not the only bad part. The rust also discolors the glass which is the other primary material used on this project.

I have read where this building is in looks compared to the alien spaceship in "Independence Day" or a "chocolate souffle". Not matter your opinion this building is built and here to stay. And will be an iconic building in Brooklyn. Hopefully its thought of in a positive light and not a "rust bucket".