| | Starting from Zero: Reconstructing Downtown New York. Michael Sorkin.
Compiling articles from Architectural
Record, Metropolis, Slate, a chapter from
2002's After the World Trade Center, and new material,
Zero criticizes not only the designs for the reconstruction
of the World Trade Center site (common in the mainstream
press), but also the process leading up to the designs (uncommon
in same). Mostly, Sorkin questions the commercial drive
to replace ten million square feet of office space and the
public's acceptance of this architectural program for the
site's reconstruction. Rather than solely feature Sorkin's
ramblings on the business-as-usual undertakings, we are
also treated to the writer/practitioners own plans for the
area, not limited to the immediate World Trade Center site.
His ideas use the opportunity of rebuilding to affect greater
change, imbuing downtown with green space and pedestrian
areas, while spreading the millions of square feet of office
space to other parts of downtown, uptown and other boroughs.
Sorkin's recognizable drawings and designs might not be
for everyone, but his words ring true when taking extra
time and thought to construct something fitting on a site
of such grief may be best.
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