When the British architect Norman Foster first presented his proposal to erect a 30-story glass tower atop the existing building, many neighborhood residents were outraged. “A glass dagger plunged into the heart of the Upper East Side,” one said. The project’s developer sent Mr. Foster back to the drawing board, and he has returned with a plan, one that both hope will be more palatable to neighborhood preservationists. NYT | previously
3 Comments
The redesign is much more interesting than first scheme. What's so imaginative about a big glass tower? Working with the givens is more productive in this case. I don't know what Nicolai's after here.
ya, i definitely agree.
Obviously, Foster new design is based on trying to get the proposal approved.
However, i don't agree with Nicolai that
"But the new design is more polite and less original, hewing to the reactionary view that most contemporary architecture is best when it is invisible."
I think as 765 said above that it is more interesting working within limits (especially historical ones).
The only thing that was "visionary" about the last one was it's roundness and lack of sensitivity!!
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