Architectural Foresight: An Urban Exchange Flashback


Architectural Foresight: An Urban Exchange Flashback
By Scott Rogers • August 31, 2009
The architectural design of Urban Exchange is exciting, provocative and has received a lot of very positive feedback. Two key features (among many others) that seem to be universally appealing are the expansive landscaped courtyard and the large windows and doors allowing for loads of natural light. It is the unique "opposed L" design that allows for the natural light and the fantastic courtyard area --- and you might wonder how the developers stumbled upon such a great concept.... Several years ago, at the very start of the design process for Urban Exchange, the architects visited Harrisonburg to examine the site, and as a result, Philippe created the sketch below. The architect and the developers then spent months creating a multitude of building styles and designs from which to choose --- but throughout the process, they kept returning to the very concept sketched out above. This design allowed for more significant massing on the main streets (Mason, Market) --- the brick areas on the now complete building, and it allows for lots and lots of natural light through the multiple exposed faces of the building. And of course --- the primary colors of the bridges are now shining brightly in the sunlight, despite their position having been adjusted slightly from this original sketch. As I have spoken with other architects, I have learned that it's not entirely uncommon for this to have happened --- for the very early inspiration to be the eventual reality. I suppose the accuracy of this early sketch to the final building is so fascinating because of the large size of this project and the long (multi-year) development process that is just now coming to a close. Receive Updates by Email Recent Articles: Is There A Price You WOULD Pay For This House? There Are Plenty Of Types Of Houses That Exist That Just Are Not Available To Purchase Home Sales By Price Range In The City Of Harrisonburg Are You Compromising On Aspects Of Your Next Home That You Can Or Cannot Change Later? How Much Slower Are The Winter Months In Our Local Housing Market? Rockingham County and New Home Sales Drive Surge in Area Housing Market Find The Balance Between Optimistic And Realistic Home Pricing Room Size Is Difficult To Understand Solely From Real Estate Photos How Much Would You Value Not Having To Prepare Your Home For Showings? One Out Of Four Homes Is Taking Longer Than A Month To Sell
Have any questions? Contact Scott Rogers at 540-578-0102 or scott@funkhousergroup.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Nov 23, 2024 (unless otherwise noted).
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