But no one bothered to ask the architect under fire whether he intended the Warriors' future home to look like a loo. In an exclusive interview with NBC Bay Area, lead Warriors arena architect David Manica said he certainly did not.
"Unfortunately, people focused on the silly comments about the toilet," he said in a phone interview on Wednesday . "I'm not angry. Just disappointed. But I'm not too worried about it. When it's done, that's the last thing people will be thinking about."
The public just seemed to be enjoying the bathroom humor: "No one ever called me," he said.
The first draft of plans for the 18,000-seat arena with half a million square feet of office space, nearly 100,000 square feet of retail, and acres of open space were unveiled Tuesday at a public community meeting in San Francisco. Real estate blog Socketsite first posted the drawings online and the comments – and the toilet analogies – started to pour in. So did the headlines.
But the design element that critics pounced on, Manica said, is a 10,000-square-foot ballroom floating above the San Francisco Bay that the architect is sure won't at all resemble a toilet when construction is complete.
This element is new, he said, and wasn't included in previous designs, when the Warriors were supposed to be at Pier 30-21 south of the Bay Bridge along the Embarcadero. That plan was scrapped for thenew location at Mission Bay, south of AT&T Park, near a new UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital For now, the Warriors play in Oakland at the o.Co Coliseum.
"It's going to be wholly spectacular," Manica said. That said, he added that there is still a year more of "intense designs" to be hashed out, and there is a "long road ahead" in terms of changes and edits to the original, early sketches.
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors runs back down court after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Darren Collison #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Jermaine O'Neal #7 of the Golden State Warriors lies on the floor injured after being fouled by the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers fakes out Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors questions a call during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors tries to dribble around J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers loses control of the ball while covered by David Lee #10 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors runs back down court after dunking the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 01: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers saves the ball from going out of bounds by throwing it off of Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 1, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Marreese Speights #5 of the Golden State Warriors commits a flagrant foul against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Steve Blake #25 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Darren Collison #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors dunks aganst the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors gives instructions as he brings the ball up on offense against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Glen Davis #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Los Angeles Clippers hold up signs referencing the Donald Sterling situation before the game with the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Los Angeles Clippers hold up signs referencing the Donald Sterling situation before the game with the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Los Angeles Clippers hold up signs referencing the Donald Sterling situation before the game with the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Jordan Crawford #55 of the Golden State Warriors goes up against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Jermaine O'Neal #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes to the floor to control a loose ball against Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Mat Barnes #22 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: David Lee #10 Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors embrace after the game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors throws a long pass on a break for an assist against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Andre Iguodala #9 of of the Golden State Warriors shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers fights for rebounding position on a foul shot with Daymond Green #23 and Jermaine O'Neal #7 of the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Marreese Speights #5 of the Golden State Warriors dunks over DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors dunks against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives around Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors gestures in the game with the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes up with the ball against DeAndre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors copntrols the ball against Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The Warriors won 109-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Jermaine O'Neal #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Blake Griffin #30 and J.J. Redick #4 of Los Angeles Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Deandre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by Jordan Crawford #55 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena on April 24, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Jermaine O'Neal #7 the Golden State Warriors loses control of the ball going in for a layup against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena on April 24, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 24: Deandre Jordan #6 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by Jordan Crawford #55 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena on April 24, 2014 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 03: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Matt Barnes #22 of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game Seven of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 3, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Manica's intentions were to evoke a yachting, nautical theme along the waterfront edge, and adhere to his client's "sophisticated aspirations." The arena, he hopes, will have a "blurred" elliptical shape, somewhere between a rectangle and circle. The space, he hopes, will also feature an open-air market, where vendors and local artists can sell their wares, or a place for the public to come and ice skate in the winter and buy pumpkins at Halloween.
Courtesy of Warriors/Manica Architecture
Conceptual drawings of Golden State Warriors Arena present in San Francisco on Sept. 22, 2014.
The Kansas City-based Manica isn't too focused on the toilet comments anyway. He's too busy designing other sports arenas around the globe, including the VTB Arena Park under construction in Moscow, which features a dual space for both hockey and football, along with a retail mall.
The Warriors arena will be privately financed, and construction is expected to begin in late 2015. The team hopes the arena will be ready in time for the 2018-19 NBA season.
Warriors spokesman PJ Johnston said the team has not announced the price tag to build the new center.
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