Art and Animation pic's

[MarkTwain]

Yeah, the fact that you can tell where the concrete panels meet on AoA definitely gives it a cheap look. They really could have done with some sort of cladding.

 

[forbidden donut]

I was showing my architect friend who compared them to precast prison cells. Usually a hotel using precast units would add some form of cladding not just paint direct onto the bare concrete.

You know . .you're right.
It looks like a precast prison cell block covered with Disney graffiti!

 

[uklad79]

Glad it not just me as I usually like most things Disney builds as they are good quality even the other value resorts from what I have seen. I once stayed at Pop and I never noticed this I am sure the walls had some kind of finish and it didn't have this awful prison block or maybe I had my rose tinted spectacles on as I was on site.
I don't always agree with Kevin Yee's Declining By Degrees articles as some just seem nit picky but this looks like more like large degree!

 

[~msminniemouse~]

Here's a link, you should checkout.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHIP3SnJHD4&feature=player_embedded

 

[G00fyDad]

Yeah, the fact that you can tell where the concrete panels meet on AoA definitely gives it a cheap look. They really could have done with some sort of cladding.

On such a very large concrete wall don't they have to have some sort of expansion joints? Kind of like a sidewalk or driveway? So that the heat and cold do not crack them? I would think that if you made the entire side from one large poured piece of concrete that it would eventually expand and contract in the heat and cold and produce a very large God-awful crack down the side. As a matter of fact I cannot even think of a single building (Five Star or not) that does not do this. The sides of large buildings are always made from more than one piece aren't they?

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

On such a very large concrete wall don't they have to have some sort of expansion joints? Kind of like a sidewalk or driveway? So that the heat and cold do not crack them? I would think that if you made the entire side from one large poured piece of concrete that it would eventually expand and contract in the heat and cold and produce a very large God-awful crack down the side. As a matter of fact I cannot even think of a single building (Five Star or not) that does not do this. The sides of large buildings are always made from more than one piece aren't they?

Expansion joints are necessary, yes. The problem with AoA is the piecemeal design of the building (essentially modular rooms fitted into place) highlights the joints in a particularly noticeable and unattractive way. The paint scheme probably doesn't help either.

Take a look below at the difference between the two buildings and the overall appearance of the expansion joints. While AoA is very modular and uneven, the joints in the other building work into the overall design much better, appearing to be detailing instead of expansion joints.

EDIT: Another thing that makes the AoA buildings look cheap are the lack of architectural detailing. There are no recesses, moldings, arches, etc.; its just a flat wall with windows and a coat of paint. Hopefully the finished product has a bit more decoration on it to give the building a bit more "character."

Just got back.

Got some pic's.

 

[Master Yoda]

Expansion joints are necessary, yes. The problem with AoA is the piecemeal design of the building (essentially modular rooms fitted into place) highlights the joints in a particularly noticeable and unattractive way. The paint scheme probably doesn't help either.

Take a look below at the difference between the two buildings and the overall appearance of the expansion joints. While AoA is very modular and uneven, the joints in the other building work into the overall design much better, appearing to be detailing instead of expansion joints.

EDIT: Another thing that makes the AoA buildings look cheap are the lack of architectural detailing. There are no recesses, moldings, arches, etc.; its just a flat wall with windows and a coat of paint. Hopefully the finished product has a bit more decoration on it to give the building a bit more "character."

This is true for all of the value resorts. Strip off the over top 2d cut outs tacked onto the side and you are left with a structure no more ornate than the average Motel 6. The main difference in AoA and the other 4 value resorts are the exterior balconies. This will visually break up the exterior wall and conceal the expansion lines.

 

[jjharvpro]

Awesome pics, thanks!

It's nice to see the progress!

 

[NewfieFan]

This is true for all of the value resorts. Strip off the over top 2d cut outs tacked onto the side and you are left with a structure no more ornate than the average Motel 6. The main difference in AoA and the other 4 value resorts are the exterior balconies. This will visually break up the exterior wall and conceal the expansion lines.

So AoA doesn't have the exterior walkways and doors? Is AoA more hotel style than motel?

 

[Master Yoda]

So AoA doesn't have the exterior walkways and doors? Is AoA more hotel style than motel?

The Mermaid rooms will be just like Pop with standard rooms and exterior balconies. The suites will have a single interior hallway. Whether that corridor will be enclosed and climate controlled or open air is yet to be seen.

 

[NewfieFan]

The Mermaid rooms will be just like Pop with standard rooms and exterior balconies. The suites will have a single interior hallway. Whether that corridor will be enclosed and climate controlled or open air is yet to be seen.

Interesting, I did not know this. I imagined them looking like the suites at ASMu.

 

[Master Yoda]

Interesting, I did not know this. I imagined them looking like the suites at ASMu.

They will be similar but unlike the suites at Music they were able to start from a relatively blank canvas and that has resulted in a slightly better floor plan.

 

[trr1]

are there elevators in these buildings?

 

[BalooChicago]

are there elevators in these buildings?

I have not seen plans, but yes. There has to be by law. (And taking luggage up stairs?)

 

[Minnie1976]

2009 pictures of AoA taken from POP

 

[iceman22]

These photos make me sad. Man, I wish they would of finished it.

 

[Master Yoda]

These photos make me sad. Man, I wish they would of finished it.

They are in the process of doing just that. It will be opening for guests next yer.

 

[MarkTwain]

I have not seen plans, but yes. There has to be by law. (And taking luggage up stairs?)

Actually, Old Key West and Port Orleans Riverside get away with not having elevators in many of their smaller buildings. I specifically remember having to drag luggage up flights of stairs at both (not fun). As long as Disney makes sure that they provide ground-level rooms to handicapped guests, then they're meeting ADA standards.

As for these buildings, I'm sure they'll have elevators - they're much larger than the units at POR and OKW.

 

[iceman22]

They are in the process of doing just that. It will be opening for guests next yer.

I meant the other half of pop.

 

[BalooChicago]

As long as Disney makes sure that they provide ground-level rooms to handicapped guests, then they're meeting ADA standards.

No they wouldn't be. I know ADA like the back of my hand, it's part of what I do for a living.

One passenger elevator complying with 4.10 shall serve each level, including mezzanines, in all multi-story buildings and facilities unless exempted below. If more than one elevator is provided, each passenger elevator shall comply with 4.10.

EXCEPTION 1: Elevators are not required in:

(a) private facilities that are less than three stories or that have less than 3000 square feet per story unless the building is a shopping center, a shopping mall, or the professional office of a health care provider, or another type of facility as determined by the Attorney General; or

A hotel is not a private facility.

(b) public facilities that are less than three stories and that are not open to the general public if the story above or below the accessible ground floor houses no more than five persons and is less than 500 square feet. Examples may include, but are not limited to, drawbridge towers and boat traffic towers, lock and dam control stations, and train dispatching towers.

The elevator exemptions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) do not obviate or limit in any way the obligation to comply with the other accessibility requirements established in section 4.1.3. For example, floors above or below the accessible ground floor must meet the requirements of this section except for elevator service. If toilet or bathing facilities are provided on a level not served by an elevator, then toilet or bathing facilities must be provided on the accessible ground floor. In new construction, if a building or facility is eligible for exemption but a passenger elevator is nonetheless planned, that elevator shall meet the requirements of 4.10 and shall serve each level in the building. A passenger elevator that provides service from a garage to only one level of a building or facility is not required to serve other levels.

The levels above ground are more than 500 SF and are occupied by more than 5 people.

EXCEPTION 2: Elevator pits, elevator penthouses, mechanical rooms, piping or equipment catwalks are exempted from this requirement.

The hotel room levels are not mechanical spaces.

EXCEPTION 3: Accessible ramps complying with 4.8 may be used in lieu of an elevator.

It does not appear that they have ramps providing access from one level to the next.

EXCEPTION 4: Platform lifts (wheelchair lifts) complying with 4.11 of this guideline and applicable State or local codes may be used in lieu of an elevator only under the following conditions:

(a) To provide an accessible route to a performing area in an assembly occupancy.

(b) To comply with the wheelchair viewing position line-of- sight and dispersion requirements of 4.33.3.

(c) To provide access to incidental occupiable spaces and rooms which are not open to the general public and which house no more than five persons, including but not limited to equipment control rooms and projection booths.

(d) To provide access where existing site constraints or other constraints make use of a ramp or an elevator infeasible.

(e) To provide access to raised judges' benches, clerks' stations, speakers' platforms, jury boxes and witness stands or to depressed areas such as the well of a court.

(f)* To provide access to player seating areas serving an area of sport activity.

The hotel does not meet the requirements for the use of platform lifts in lieu of elevators.

EXCEPTION 5: Elevators located in air traffic control towers are not required to serve the cab and the floor immediately below the cab.

The hotel is not an air traffic control tower.