Going South: But where's the Lawn?

Written By David McNair

Going South: But where's the Lawn?

If the recently completed South Lawn project were a blockbuster movie, the promo might start like this:

"In a world where UVA launches the most ambitious undertaking on the sacred ground of Jefferson's Academical Village in a century, attempting to reinterpret an enduring classic of American architecture, a band of architectural rebels mount a counter attack to preserve creative freedom in the Village."

Indeed, the South Lawn project has been UVA's big production number. For nearly a decade, its been touted as a radical and much needed extension of Jefferson's Academical Village, and at a cost of $105 million it certainly has a blockbuster budget. But will the South Lawn project achieve success worthy of the considerable build-up?

So far, the reviews have been mixed. In a recent statement on the project, architect for the University David Neuman seemed almost defensive, as if he were expecting another dose of criticism.

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Full Stories List for September 30th, 2010 issue #0939

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David McNair
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