Barclays Center Rust: Rounding Up Reactions to Brooklyn Nets' Rustic Arena

The Brooklyn Nets have yet to play a single game at the brand new Barclays Center, but the place already looks like it has been there for ages.

According to Elizabeth A. Harris of The New York Times, the exterior of the arena is made with something known as “weathering steel,” which actually is supposed to look rusted. She explains:

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Weathering steel — often known by its old brand name, Cor-Ten — develops a fine layer of rust, which then acts as a protective coating against moisture, slowing its own corrosion process almost to a stop. While it can look suspiciously unfinished to the casual observer, it has many fans in the world of art and architecture.

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It certainly has drawn a number of bold reactions from a number of vocal critics across the web. Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting thoughts that are out there about the Barclays Center’s building material and unique look.

Bart Hubbuch – New York Post

This New York City native told Twitter that he has to see the Barclays Center on his commute to and from work each day, and figured that the outside was still a work in progress. He was stunned and disappointed to find out that simply isn’t the case.

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I see all the rust on the Nets’ new arena when I drive by every day. I figured it just hadn’t been painted yet. To hear it’s planned = nuts.

— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) August 27, 2012"

Jack Dickey – Deadspin

Dickey did an investigative report into weathering steel and found it simply isn’t a good idea to use on major structures, such as sports arenas.

He mentions how Atlanta’s Omni Coliseum, the New Haven Coliseum and Pittsburgh’s U.S. Steel Tower all suffered horribly from being designed with the material.

Although the Barclays Center isn’t being used for structural support, the cosmetics can also get ugly. He alluded to what happened at La Guardia Airport’s parking garage.

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“In 1986, The Nation called the material that framed the parking garage at La Guardia Airport ‘a triumph of metallurgy.’ By 1991, the same structure had to be painted over "’because its rusty surface had become unsightly.’”

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Joe R – Twitter

This little piece of insight from a visitor to the Barclays Center is quite funny, if it is actually true.

Joe is claiming that he overheard a construction working making fun of the rusted material they outfitted the exterior of the arena with and felt that the company that sold it could sell anything to anyone.

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A construction worker at the Barclays Center that I overheard said whoever sold them that rust could sell ice to a dead man. So true.

— Joe R. (@JoeR42) August 28, 2012"

Kelly Dwyer – Yahoo!

Because of the nature of weathered steel, the rust can and will drip onto the sidewalk below. However, it’s not just the Barclays Center’s property that will be damaged or discolored by the rust according to Dwyer.

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“It seeps, actually, right down to the pavement below where it stains the sidewalks and stoops. Worse, it discolors windows; some of which might belong to neighboring residents or business owners that didn't quite get on board with the idea behind pre-stained metal as something to be admired as a party piece.”

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The reactions to this rustic look of the Brooklyn Nets new home are overwhelmingly negative. It seems that the general public does not like the look of the structure and only certain architectural and artistic junkies are in favor of the weathered steel.