New WTC plan unveiled

I guess they got it down to just one plan. Here is a link to the story on MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3757111/

I was just at the WTC and was bummed to see the shrines are gone-I can't figure out where in the fuck they could've gone. Also I got to have a stroll in the new WTC stop, since they rebuilt that. Very eerie.

Bah. Whata bunch of bullshit.

Instead of taking the space and making it a solemn reminder of al those thatwere lost and a place to reflect on thereasons why it happened, they've turned it into a "Look how big America's dick still is".

Why don't they just put a huge dollar sign on top and really make it something special.

"Freedom tower"

That's about what I was going to say. I saw some of the designs they really liked (parks and fountains and such), so this surprises me... but not really. It's like they went, "YES!!! THAT will prove we still have the biggest pricks!!! BIGGER TALLER BETTER!!!"

I can understand being full of pride and patriotism, but come ON...

Freedom tower? Why not just call it the Liberty Dildo?

Best. Comment. Ever.

Yeah, that's a nice summation of why modern architecture sucks. "Hey, why not have it look like there' an enormous splinter of glass in the skyline!"

The only thing worse are some of the designs for the memorial on the WTC site. Any more clear glass, soft light and flowing water and I'm going to vomit.

Bring back art deco.

[Edited on Dec 19, 2003 by Uncognitive]

I thought it would have been nice if they'd blended it with the architecture already there. I'd've been all about some beautiful, vintage building.

It might be difficult to understand if you don't live in the area - but when the WTC came down, it literally killed that entire section of town. It's been like a morgue ever since it happened.

And while no one wants to underestimate the tragedy of what happened, I think it's possible to have a tasteful memorial for the victims of the attacks while still building something that will breathe a little bit of life into the area by having lots of people around. Let's face it - the world trade center towers were office buildings. The whole downtown area is office space, so it makes sense to build new office buildings where the old ones were lost.

The design is a bit odd, admittedly, but at least it's original. The old towers were monolithic and boring - impressive only by their sheer size. The new design is smaller (only 70 floors of office space) and more stylistic. While you may like or dislike the style, you have to admit that it's more interesting than a box.

True enough. The old buildings were eyesores, but this one really stands out. I mean, REALLY. It just doesn't "fit", if that makes sense.

hahaha The Liberty Dildo!!@!@!@ with a dollar sign on top! classic

I agree with uncognitive - i like art deco - more of the chrysler building, less of the GM building.

wow. that is fucking ridiculous. not enough money for schools or the environment but BILLIONS for a fucking symbol.

While the building itself is still a fucking eyesore, there are aspects of the design I think are kinda cool.

The separate stairwells for firefighters is interesting,and I like that 20% of the building's power supply will come from windwills in the spire part.

But ugh. It still looks like a cross between a child's concept of what the office buildings must look like in heaven, and a "try burning this flag, asshole!' shirt.

I'm callin' the bullshhhh.

Saul Williams pointed out that many families wanted to leave the site a cemetary (I agree) to respect the people that died there. But then they built up the area not far from there that wasa burial site for people the US slaughtered in the creation of this country so, perhaps like that, someday we'll forget 9-11 as well. yawn...

I like it.

Yeah... I dig the environmental stuff.

People died building the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hoover Dam, and many other landmarks. Should we just stop using them and turn them into shrines as well?

[Edited on Dec 19, 2003 by minimalism]

Why are people so obsessed with "respect for the dead"? I mean, sure it's good to remember people and all. but people get all spun out if they can't find a fingernail or something to bury. I don't get it.

Oh yeah - that design is fucking hideous. Modern architects should be exiled.

Can we as a collective county please get over this "freedom" obsession? It's not like we're the only free people on the planet.

communist!

i know exactly what you mean. when ever i hear someone talk about america and freedom it seems comes from people who doesn't care that we are loosing our freedoms or someone who is using it justify a war. it high-jacks the true meaning of the word and replaces it with the mental image of rush limbaugh and bill o'rielly on the 4th of july.

Ugh. That tower is ugly as sin.

Where's Albert Kahn when you need him?