Freedom Tower: 'Primarily About Real Estate'

LA Times Architecture Critic Nicolai Ouroussoff criticizes the new Freedom Tower design for the WTC site, and argues that it is an example of how real estate limits the democratic design process.

1 minute read

December 30, 2003, 5:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung

"Since the twin towers were destroyed by terrorist attacks more than two years ago, politicians, architects and planners have stressed that the symbolic importance of the site demanded a level of design above the norm. They have also paid a great deal of lip service to the public process, repeatedly claiming that the design would be shaped to reflect the nature of the tragedy. In truth, ground zero is primarily about real estate....It is in that sense that the tower design should be read with skepticism. The second-rate quality speaks to the limits of the democratic process when it comes face to face with commerce."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: Capitalism Tops Democracy in Tower's Design

Saturday, December 20, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

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