My understanding of skyscrapers is that they provide valuable space in dense urban centers. Other towers, such as Toronto's Canadian National (CN) Tower, act as national communications antennas. However, I can't even begin to comprehend the pompous attitude towards modern-day skyscrapers. There has to be a better symbol than a giant, metal-and-glass encrusted penis.
Noteworthy icons for cities off the top of my head;
New York - Central Park,
London - Big Ben clock-tower,
Sydney - Opera House,
Japan - apple blossoms and pagodas,
Rio De Jeneiro - Christ the Redeemer,
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge,
the Port of Hong Kong -
The symbolism of these icons, and others like them, extends far beyond the heights of numbers; passion, history, culture, technology, beauty, religion, nature's marvels -
But what the got-dang is so appealing about a giant tower that symbolises gluttony, greed, competitiveness?
We want to reach up to the heavens, but we won't reach out to secure a more sturdy base amongst others. Even one of those dollars is enough to feed a mouth, pay a day's - even a month's wage to one person. The tens of billions of dollars could sustain safe living standards to an enormous amount of people!
And they want to go a mile high?
They can't even look over their shoulder and see something more deserving.
Response to reading:
Billionare Plans Mile-High Building, found at
The Wall Street Fighter.
Additionally:
Tearing Down the Towers.
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