Tuesday, July 23, 2002


rebuilding new york

i've been studying the 6 proposals for rebuilding at the world trade center site with some care. these have been widely, roundly, and correctly criticized for lack of artistic vision. plus, all of these designs would fail to create a vibrant, 24-hour city-space.

and what else is new york, if not a vibrant, 24/7/365 kinda place?

i suppose of the 6, i prefer the last, the "promenade," by some tiny margin, mostly because i like its skyline the best. well, like is too strong a word. i suppose i'm so disappointed because i expected a greater artistic effort, especially for the all-important memorial. in all these plans, the memorial section is too anemic. i want something as brave, moving, and bold as the vietnam memorial was in its day.

finally i'm stunned to see the absense of global architectural talent in the proposals. i would have thought the world's greatest living architects would have been solicited for their ideas. where are these visionaries? would a truly world-class architect please stand up and offer a design?

long-time readers know that personally, i believe half the site should be a stunning memorial in a garden setting, preferably with water, to recall the fountain of the old wtc. the other half of the site? what should we build? we must build the tallest building in the world. and this building should comprise housing, offices, restaurants, movie theaters, a health club, stores, subways. if there is feasible room, a smaller building or two could be included on either side.

it is said that no one would lease or live in a tall space on that site. but i don't agree. if the place is beautiful and artistic, if the amenities and transportation are well-planned, then even a large building should succeed. . .

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