EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Oh, yuck--another article extolling the virtues of bad architecture (“One for the Books,” by Aaron Betsky, Nov. 8). “Towell,” the temporary Powell Library at UCLA, is just plain ugly--an awkward conglomeration of harsh and uncomfortable materials. Calling it “fun” and “serious exuberance” won’t change that.

Just because its budget was cheap (at under $3 million?) doesn’t mean it has to look cheap. A wood structure would have been nice, but Quonset huts would have been even better. At least they don’t pretend to be something they’re not.

Condolences to the UCLA students who have to live with this eyesore for five years.

SUE KELLER

La Jolla