Architect: Barclays a Dream Project

On the first anniversary of the ground breaking for Barclays Center, the project's lead architect tells an industry magazine the arena "will raise the bar for state-of-the-art venues" in terms of design and technology and called it his "dream project".

Stephen J. Duethman of Ellerbe Becket, one of two architectural firms working on Barclays, said the main thing visitors will notice is how Barclays "evokes the streets of Brooklyn and the industrial history of the area" primarily through its use of weathered steel, both in and outside the arena. He said Barclays will have advanced digital technology visible throughout.  One feature he pointed to was how the scoreboard, but not the court, will be visible from the street as fans approach the arena.

Meanwhile, pro and anti-arena bloggers in Brooklyn offer different takes on what progress has been made in the past year.

• Q&A: Ellerbe Becket's Stephen J. Deuthman - Stadia Magazine
• Barclays Center ~ What a Difference a Year Makes - Brooklyn Trolley Blogger
• A year after the ceremonial groundbreaking for the arena: Where's the affordable housing? The other promised benefits? The Carlton Avenue Bridge? - Norman Oder - Atlantic Yards Report