2007.08.09
San Francisco Skyscraper Proposals
So the proposals are in for buildings to replace the ailing and aged Transbay Terminal south of Market, and all three proposals suck. What the hell is up with architects these days? Bigger does not mean better except in A) personal income and B) portions of anatomy. Take a look at pictures of the three proposals then come back.
The Pelli Clarke Pelli design looks like a giant vibrator or high tech phallus. Given that none of the buildings in the area are giant, reflective testicles this thing just sticks up in the sky pronouncing its penis inferiority complex. Put a giant SUV on top and the image is complete. Sadly the interior looks like it would be better suited for a rest home for insane persons than a bus terminal. Oh wait, it’s a bus terminal! Spot on design.
Someone else has already pointed out that the Rogers Stirk Harbour building looks like the Tower of Barud Dur from the Lord of the Rings (and illustrated it!) so I won’t say much more than that the architects obviously played with an Erector Set when they were kids.
It’s hard to tell what the Skidmore Owings Merrill proposal really looks like in whole. Right now it looks like a giant shaft of light, all softly lit and white yet hard and long. Like the Pelli Clarke Pelli design, there is a distinct lack of testicles, though you could be sure they would be smooth, round and translucent.
Looking more at theSkidmore Owings Merrill I kind of like it but I have to say I’m partial to the Tower of Barad Dur. I love Tolkien! While the building is still at least twice as tall as it needs to be Sauron, being only a flaming lidless eye, can be forgiven for making up for his lack of other anatomy. I can’t wait to start calling San Francisco the Mordor of the West!
1 Comment Categorized: san francisco technology
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One Response to “San Francisco Skyscraper Proposals”
- douglas.nerad » The Giant Phallus Wins says (September 10th, 2007 at 15:34:21 )
[...] Terminal. I didn’t like many of the entrants. You can read my critique -such as it is- here. Today a jury chose its favourite and the winner is the design from Pelli Clarke Pelli. [...]
