tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178184459929182520.post6839063405416875685..comments2024-03-09T16:52:15.366+11:00Comments on Steve King about Architecture: Big gesturessteve kinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01977535985183428085noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7178184459929182520.post-47496617423416035282013-05-10T21:20:33.029+10:002013-05-10T21:20:33.029+10:00While I recognise that upward development is an im...While I recognise that upward development is an important and inevitable aspect of Sydney's future, I tend to question the integrity of these massive projects. In most cases, projects seem to be lead by property developers and construction companies looking to make colossal financial gain out of little space. What this leads to is buildings which advertise themselves as an exaggerated version of reality, in order of increasing profit.<br />This idea primarily refers to Jean Nouvel's One Central Park building, which you have made numerous references to throughout your blog. In my opinion, there is a distinct line separating genuinely interesting, sustainable architecture, from architecture which is loosely states that it is progressive in order of increasing its economic success. I would categorize the 'Central Park' development as the latter. Another example, while still undeveloped, is Sydney Greenland Centre, developed by a Chinese based company. <br /> Herzog & de Meuron's 56 Leonard Street, as discussed in your more recent post "Herzog & de Meuron's tower under way', I would consider the former. It is representative of the future of inner-city life, and is architecturally interesting. It provides a unique strategy to high-rise living, and is aesthetically pleasing. <br />'Central Park', while of inarguable interest, uses very distinct green walls to crudely argue its place as a progressive, environmentally friendly. However, how sustainable is a building which requires continuous water use, and which is so massive that it abruptly disturbs its surroundings by overshadowing. Part of being environmentally aware, is being considerate of your surroundings. This building dominates as a try-hard landmark. Ultimately, apartment prices in the complex will reflect its status, and so developers have achieved their goal of creating profit, rather than genuinely successful architecture. <br />This is to an article I found interesting, about the development of the Sydney Greenland Centre. <br />http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/chinese-breathing-competitive-life-into-sydney-high-rise-scene/2013031459857<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com