An architect's rendering shows the proposed Clemson Architecture Center at 292 Meeting Street in Charleston. 

Charleston's Board of Architectural Review voted 4-2 Wednesday to allow what may be the most strikingly contemporary building ever placed before it.

Architect Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture said the board's approval of the proposed Clemson Architecture Center design may reverberate beyond its site at George and Meeting streets.

"What's exciting to me is it's a moment in this city. It's a pivot point," he said. "It just elevates the discussion of architecture, and that's what we're trying to do."

Bob Demarco, chair of the city's Board of Architectural Review and an Ansonborough resident, also made a passionate plea against it.

He said its perforated and curving concrete walls reminded him of a "perpetual smile" and a "perpetual scowl," and said it doesn't give a nod to any other building in the historic city. Noting the neighbors' opposition, he asked, "Do we have a right to cram this down their throats?".....Continue Reading

> via postandcourier.com