Dichotomy
(Zuccotti Park, NYC) “How much does your building weigh?” A famous quote by renowned Architect Buck Fuller. My guess… the black steel brute is double the tonnage of our ethereal glass box. Then lets ask how does / what does a building make us feel? Examining the circumstances behind creations can help shape & determine our point of view.
The U.S. Steel Building designed by SOM embodies the ‘organization man’ corporate consolidation era common in 1950’s + 60’s Manhattan. Even though finished in 1973, its captures the Seagram building credence of a new ‘Mies-ian slab’ modern architecture. Nowadays this building is critiqued as dense and an excessive use of steel. However, isn’t that the point? It was built as a symbol of Post WWII American capitalism. The greatest economic expansion in world history. The client was literally a steel manufacturer so makes sense to push their product.
September 11 terrorist attacks on WTC devastated more than just the Twin-Towers. Irrevocable damage to ground zero leveled many of the adjacent buildings. However, this dense brute remained all but standing (minus lower level window damage). The extra steel must have aided to transfer the shock and loads to the buildings’ foundations.
Rising from ash comes the new WTC plan. The Number 4 building by Fumihiko Maki is so light and airy. If the U.S. Steel Building is earthbound all the way, then this structure is heavenly. The upward grace is inspiring to many. It evokes growth and limitless possibility. Both buildings stand around 725 feet tall, yet we cannot help but feel different emotions looking at them side-by-side.
From a purely design standpoint (not looking at building systems, efficiencies and areas), will this burdensome steel rectangle stand the test of time? Did its ponderous design deflect damage during the attacks? Brutalism as a movement is generally loathed by many and loved by few. Perhaps a design striking enough to evoke any feeling, whether positive or negative is enough to garner success in architecture.