Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Pixilated Cloud or Terror Attack: Art imitates life

The Cloud, rendition.
Rotterdam based architectural firm MVRDV has come under attack for the design of a building to be constructed in Seoul, Korea.  The Cloud, a two tower structure connected at the 27th floor by a "pixilated cloud," evokes the destruction of the World Trade Center.  To be honest, if the building can be constructed as designed, it would be fantastic.  The only draw back is the allusion to death and destruction. 

MVRDV denies any intentional connection between the design of the Cloud and the attack on the twin towers.  "It was not our intention to create an image resembling the attacks nor did we see the resemblance during the design process. We sincerely apologize to anyone whose feelings we have hurt, it was not our intention." 

The Cloud, concept drawing.
Setting aside the potential for a grim trend in architecture, could a building designed as an homage to the destruction of iconic architecture be beautiful and inspirational in a non-offensive way?  Instead of seeing the Cloud as a monument to the destruction of life and art, embrace the design as a provocative comment on the ability of architecture to transform the gruesome into the beautiful.  If the building is to be built as a memorial, it should be in New York.

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