new WTC presentation today
Out of context: Reply #4
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- mbr0
I was also there last weekend. The first set of plans were a typical spec office building complex, nothing note worthy about the architecture at all (this is what the owners want, remember, leasable space - all cash). As an architect I was thoroughly disappointed with the second round of schemes. Libeskind's scheme was well done, though, and would be an interesting addition to Manhattan.
There are numerous factors that contributed to this ongoing disaster. Much of it due the haste of the Port Authority and LMDC. That, and lack of fees for the architects ($40k for each team over 2 months - the renderings alone for each would cost that, each model around 50-100k, etc.). It's f***in' absurd the way that they are handling it. So in the end, no body doubts that it will be spec office crap, just so they can have their cash quickly. A shame. An open competition (a la Europe), which anyone could enter (or at least architects) and time would be the best choice. I pray they don't screw it all up. It'd be nice to have a decent office building built in America, for once.
Here are some links for anyone interested:
A good article about the powers at play:
http://chronicle.com/free/v49/i1…
The official site for the schemes:
http://www.lowermanhattan.info/r…