ARCHITECTURE

Well Built

Our critic chooses her favorite buildings that were unveiled in 2007—and one that wasn't.

By Cathleen McGuigan | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Dec 21, 2007 | Updated: 1:28  p.m. ET Dec 21, 2007

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  • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 12/25/2007 10:49:31 PM

    Modern, dazzling architecture is just like any hollywood block buster movie. It is not evergreen. It is just for the moment. Therefore it is foolish to build something that seemed grand (but rather bland) and expensive but won't last for more than a "moment". I am not impressed.

  • Posted By: 42libert @ 12/23/2007 7:53:34 PM

    all that building and only 7 people to inhabit it. As long as the Dubai money holds out there will be plenty of people ready to rake it in. Give it 10-20 years and it will be a good back lot for cheap Bollywood flicks..
    I don't think many people will VOLUNTARILY spend much time there, except to pick up a load of money.
    Roger

  • Posted By: John Luma @ 12/22/2007 11:37:52 AM

    A number of these are stunning, beautiful, and every city needs more of them. But the S.F. Federal Building seems incredibly stupid and irresponsible. Looking at all those glass sheets hanging high above the streets tells me that in a major earthquake they will all come slicing down -- and anyone running out or along the street will be cut to pieces. Good job, Thom Mayne! Natural ventilation is a great idea, but creating a building that becomes a human cutting board is hardly smart.

    • Posted By: rwshelton2 @ 12/22/2007 8:57:35 PM

      If the primary concern of architecture is to provide for every worst case scenario, then the primary goal of architecture is defeated. Thom Mayne typically designs primarily to make a personal statement. In this case, he has done so, while at the same time achieveing the true primary goal of architecture - to benefit its users, and the economies in which it supports.

  • Posted By: etbrand9 @ 12/22/2007 2:13:24 PM

    All glass...no class. Boring, except for the Dubai tower which deserves a kudo for its elan.

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