50/50 Orchids & Onions | San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center
San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center: 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego
The San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center, put together by a large team: Demattei Wong Architects and Tucker Sadler Architects – Architecture, KTU+A – Landscape Architecture and WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff – MEP/FP/IT/Civil/Structural, Amy Landesberg (Artist) & Christian Moeller (Artists), has been nominated for an Onion in architecture, and Orchids in the categories of architecture, landscape architecture, and miscellaneous. The structure was completed in 2015 and can’t be missed when driving into downtown on the 5 freeway. Below we will take a look at what people are saying so far about the structure.
Orchid:
The San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center has been nominated for an Orchid in architecture, landscape architecture, as well as in the miscellaneous category. Nominators have raved about this structure saying that it has follows the idea of “beautiful form, mindful function.” Nominators have highlighted that the seamless, and flowing design of the building is highlighted especially at night by the colorful lighting installed all around it. This building is highly efficient, being as it brings all of the rental car companies into one location, eliminating the existing rental car traffic on Harbor. Another thing that the nominators have pointed out is that the designers did a fantastic job of including some really cool art in the structure. One last positive thing that has been said is that the landscaping of the surrounding area is highly sustainable. Needless to say, many of people have found the design of the new rental car center to be absolutely great. Check out the Orchid nominations Here, Here, and Here.
Onion:
The San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center has also been nominated for an Onion in architecture. The nominator states that they had a couple of problems with this structure. First of all, it is stated that the structure itself is so large, that it blocks what once was a beautiful view of the bay from the freeway side of the structure. Another problem that the nominator has pointed out is that even though the structure was completed just about a year ago, it is already showing signs of poor aging, which can certainly be concerning. Check out the Onion nomination here.
We would love to hear everyone’s ideas on what they think of this building. We highly encourage you all to speak your mind in the comment section at each nomination post. Orchid or Onion? Let’s get this conversation started!
