It is a mistake to question anything architectural, I recognize, especially when we have monstrosities like the EMP in my backyard. (Really, Paul - a broken guitar?) That said, it seems that many of these projects are merely to prove that it can be done without a solid reason why it should be done. The Tower of Pisa is a wonderful architectural mistake - and while this is impressive and perhaps pretty, I still question "why"? I suppose if I bought into the "architecture is art" argument a bit more, I would not have this internal dilemma.
WTF are they going to do when no one needs their oil anymore? Maybe the countries in that region shouldn't be wasting trillions on all this "look at me!!" crap.
@Bluesk1d: Why is there always a Debbie Downer waiting in the wings to subject us all to their "WTF" hatred for architecture when someone is just trying to be creative and build an artistic and unique building?
@malvones: I agree they are a powerful form. They are also hideous. It is a bad combination. Kinda like I had a powerful bowel movement this morning. Something is not always made better from sheer intensity.
I think you can get anything funded in Dubia, provided i is the tallest/largest/leaningest thing out there. They must have a lot to prove to the world. This idea that tourists will come there to see their crazy buildings is a stretch. Especially if we can't have sex on their beaches. (I mean it is a beach, come on!)
I think the idea with Dubai is that when the oil run's out, they're going to need something to build capitol. When you live in the desert there's not much for tourists, so you need to do something spectacular. Just as last Vegas did, Dubai will be hoping to dub itself a piece of the action. They're either dumb rich or smart enough to pull it off. I haven't decided which yet. One things for sure, it will be an amazing city.
@swoyekr: What kills me is that even with all the $ being thrown at these spectacular sculptures, they are building everything without any sense of urbanism. Everything has a sort of 'ivory tower' feel, rising up from and totally detached from the reality below(I put 'ivory tower' in quotes, but it would not surprise me if they were, in fact, building a tower out of ivory). I do not expect this to end well.
screw all of you (but not literally). i'll do this by myself. uhh...posting, that is. not stroking. just posting. and i'm going to start posting a little faster. and a littler faster. and a littl...
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%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fq%3Dgolden%2520wrapping%2520paper%2520animaniacs%26hl%3Den%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3Dutf-8%26c&feature=player_embedded
Of course, this being in Dubai, doesn't give me quite the nice feeling the cartoon does :P
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[farm4.static.flickr.com]
MORE PHOTOS:
[flickr.com]
Enjoy
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I was gonna say "All it needs now is a tacky red lampshade at the top! Nyuk nyuk nyuk."
...God I suck.
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i put on my robe and wizard hat...
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[gizmodo.com]
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