Boxing MCA

I like it. 

I don't care if you don't, particularly if you are of the same ilk as Patrick Cox whom I believe is spewing forth raisins aigres as the you-like-i-don't-like opinions are bandied over Sam Marshall's proposed modern extension to the Museum of Contemporary Art. 

I suspect for once, Frank Sartor the former planning minister may be right on the money in that "people will grow to love (the extension) over time". Time is a bloody potent bleach, I tell you although there will (always) be people like this Cameron bloke who called in to ABC this morning, still fuming over the "Toaster" since it was erected in the mid-90's. Nonetheless, I suspect Cameron is more against what the Toaster represented rather than its architecture; it is after all a building accessible only to the uber rich inbabitants who calls it home. 

I also suspect design is very subjective. Different folks, different strokes. What is important is never to let an immediate visual reaction decide the longevity of an undertaking like this. Marrying the old with new can also work, albeit some have taken time to get the recognition it deserves and there are good examples: I M Pei's glass pyramid addition to the Lourve comes to mind immediately and closer to home, there is the Melbourne Museum which sits prettily opposite the Royal Exhibition Building.

MCA director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor has welcomed the ongoing debate, graciously adding that it was to be "expected" but between you and I, what's truly annoying is that there are some Sydneysiders out there sounding like they have become instant design gurus after having watched a couple episodes of Grand Designs.

Sigh.