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Soaring

The modernist movement in architecture continues to be alive and well, partly because it is cheap, and partly because it fits so well within the depressing monotony of architecture that already exists. So when someone does something that is beautiful and (literally and figuratively) outside the box, it is refreshing and energizing... Even if it's just a proposal and unlikely to be built (see reasons above).

Why give us one more of these:

(The UN Building in New York - Le Corbusier (and others); 1952)

When you could get something beautiful like this:

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

Mark Foster Gage Architects, Central Park Tower

I know, there's the undeniable feel of Gotham from Tim Burton. 


Which, I really love, if I'm honest. Whenever I think of Gotham, this is what I think of, and although I love the reboot with Christian Bale (he's a way better Batman than Michael Keaton) it's clear that the reboot took its stylistic cues from this. It's delightful - a beautiful city gone to seed, still proud, but with a layer of grime and grit. And I think it's awesome.

There's something to be said for architecture that is beautiful as well as functional - in fact, one of the functions of architecture should be to showcase the craftsmanship and design capability of artists and architecture, inspiring all who view beautiful work. 

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