THE CLOUD
Image source: Getty Images
2,752 people were killed when The World Trade Center towers in New York were destroyed a decade ago on September 11. Today, a new building design created by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV is angering people who claim that the structure evokes the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. As a result, the design of twin skyscrapers planned for Seoul may be modified in the wake of criticism that a cloud-shaped bridge joining the buildings resembles the explosions which destroyed the twin towers of theWorld Trade Center.
The Dutch architectural firm, which drew the plans for the towers joined at the 27th floor by a billowing cloud-shaped bridge, apologized for any affront caused by the resemblance to the fireball that that destroyed the twin towers in the September 11th attacks when Jan Knikker, a spokesman for the Rotterdam-based firm, announced that the building designs had been widely published in Asia and Europe without anyone noticing a resemblance. “Once the plan was published in the U.S., the controversy started,” he stated in an e-mail.
MVRDV has been designing numerous international projects around the world. Among its projects are Cleveland Institute of Art, Oslo Opera, Madris Urban Games, New Orleans Lower 9th Concept Bent, Signapore Westwood and Long Tan Park Liughau.
According to the firm’s website the design represents a cloud wrapping around the center of the skyscrapers. The bridge, connecting the 57 and 60 stories high towers would house a conference centre, restaurants, swimming pools and a lounge.
Seo Hee Seok, a spokesman at Yongsan Development Co., which is the developer of the project in the centre of Seoul between the financial district and the Han River, stated by telephone that nothing was finalized about the design. According to him, the buildings are part of the 67 high-rise buildings planned for the Yongsan business district.
The development is near the Yongsan U.S. Army Garrison, the headquarters of American forces in South Korea. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953. It’s moving to a supporting role in Yongsan with the U.S. base there scheduled to return to South Korean control by 2016, according to the State Department’s website.
A professor at Yonsei University’s department of architectural engineering in Seoul, Lee Sang Yun, acknowledges that continuing with the current design after getting negative attention in the mass media, may be difficult for the developer.
MVRDV, which also designed the Dutch pavilion for Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany, described the concept of Seoul towers as a “reinvention of the skyscraper.” in a statement posted on its website, announced that the firm deeply regrets any connotations the Cloud Project elicits regarding 9/11 tragedy.
Hundreds of outraged people took to the company’s Facebook page, to protest. Lance Henley, one of the angry protestors wrote, “It looks like the WTC exploding on impact, how could anyone be such a moron…if it goes up it’ll come down just as fast.”
Others, like Ricky Arellano who said: “Everyone should remember that the World doesn’t revolve around the US or 9/11. They have their own things going on to think about and worry about to honestly remember what the buildings looked like coming down and all that. Stop acting like the world revolves around the US”, suggested that the comparison was too far-fetched.
John Fealis, a first responder who lost part of his foot after being injured at ground zero, told CBS News station WCBS -TV in New York, "To many, the wound hasn't closed, so when you see pictures like that it keeps that wound open."
According to Washington Post art and architecture critic Phil Kennicott, however; the controversy appears to be an effort "to use the meaning of the terrorist attack for larger, more overbearing cultural control."
Furthermore, Kennicott writes: "Even if the Dutch design firm, MVRDV intended a reference to 9/11, there's no reason that reference should be read as mocking or ironic. It might easily be seen as an effort to freeze frame a traumatic event, in architectural form, and neutralize its shock and pain."
The Cloud was apparently inspired by a drawing of two towers with a cloud covering the centre of the skyscraper.
The inspiration for and design of
The Cloud by MVRVD architects.
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is of course hampered by all the pain and death& whatnot.
i saw it. on tv. i was cold and thrill-seeking then.
i am ashamed of that now, but what can u do
about yer emotions?
anyway, u quote the crux of the problem,
"“It looks like the WTC exploding on impact, how could anyone be such a moron…if it goes up it’ll come down just as fast.”
emotional reactions to circumstances are never usually
artistic except in a negative way. i suppose artists
enjoy this. to shake us up.
well i shooken to the core
already.
this seems outrageous to my logical brain.
but to my viscera, it somehow is ok...
i am sure i am wrong.
i am a terrible art critic.
It is easy for someone like me who lost no one in the attack say that it is time to let the wound heal. For the tens of thousands who did, there will always be pain.
Happy Holidays to you, as well, Fusun.
I'm still thinking about the grape cake.
r
Fascinating just the same. You always provoke thought and present such timely and universally relatable subjects.
Might I be so bold as to ask you for a holiday recipe of sorts? Nothing too difficult and something to please a crowd, adults and kids alike! Not a tall order from me! Will have 10 at the cabin for 5-7 days and need new ideas to keep them satisfied.
I can see both points of view. The one thing that struck me is that the platform parks seem to have nothing preventing someone from plunging off into the street below.
rated with love and hopes that we hear from you again before the year is over.
Emmerling~ You too get it in your understanding that "emotional reactions to circumstances are never usually artistic" yet we do respond emotionally to art, whether is good or bad.
Rodney~ When I heard this I thought it was a poor joke, but I'm not sure anymore. I think it's a valid question that merits serious and intelligent discussion. Try the grape cake, you won't regret it. :o)
Sheila~ The Habitat in Montreal somewhat resembles the middle section of this design in its jutting out parts. I wonder how it will do structurally where there's no support.
Toritto~ My Father always said one cannot argue colors and tastes. I go by his words.
Cathy ~ I am ambivalent about the structure myself but I find the topic interesting. See your pm for your request.
Ande ~ Lego describes it rather well as far as style goes.
Thoth ~ Yup. Thanks for your comment.
Zanelle ~ I understand how you must be viewing this through a purely artistic perspective, devoid of any political bearings. And I appreciate it very much. Thank you.
Romantic Poetess ~ Thank you for seeing through the fact that I did put this out without judgment. I'm interested in others's responses and value them all.
Sharon ~ Your views are very welcome, and I also question the pretense of not seeing a connection. Besides, I'm not too fond of the design even if it had no historic implication. It's nice seeing your avatar too.
Ricky Arellano says it all. I agree with him 100%.
There were two separate hits. One on each tower, a fair bit of time apart. Only from one angle was it possible to get that, much photo-shopped, shot that makes the two hits look like one.
You Yanks just gotta get yer heads outta yer ass about 9/11. You cry big crocodile tears about losing less than 3000 people. You've killed a hundred or a thousand times more innocents in your quest for dominance of the whole world and to suck up every dollar in existence. Anyone remember Bhopal? How many innocent people were killed by a company that wouldn't follow safety regulations? How many still live with the aftermath of that "accident?"
Cry me a fvkkin' river.......
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I hadn't been aware of this story, so thanks for bringing it to our attention, Fusun.
While South Koreans don't need to concern themselves with our "patriotic" concerns, the world of travel (and building highrises) does, in fact, revolve around the events that happened that day. Sadly true, there is not a business traveler or tourist of any nationality who does not feel the real impact of the events of 9/11.
On an architectural note, they are pretty cool looking and I hope they don't lose the garden cloud in the sky theme altogether. Out of the ashes should grow trees, after all.
What worries me rather more about this building is being in "the cloud" if an Earthquake should hit. Korea is very close to Japan that just had a gonzo Earthquake less than a year ago. I wouldn't want to be anywhere NEAR that place during a serious quake, let alone standing IN it.
rated
That the world doesn't revolve around the U.S. is a fact. it does seem to get an inordinate amount of attention though. How does the world feel if the U.S. decides that an image of a past horror for other countries becomes an accidental part of some American architect? Will they be outraged?
You do have one holiday at this time of year (please correct me if I'm wrong), Yılbaşı, so have a good one. :)
But I wasn't aware of this at all, so thanks for your excellent reporting here.
R
Abrawang ~ I agree with this line of thinking and hope (my optimist nature) that the real purpose behind the design was indeed to build a temple out of the timbers of the sad past.
Cranky/Richard ~ Thank you for your comments.
Mime/Sharon ~ Your observation is insightful and I concur with you. Nice seeing you back.
Oryoki ~ I also hope that out of the ashes should grow trees - hope for the future, peace, and forgiveness.
Algis ~ I prefer seeing this through the Hindu philosphy, like you,eventhough I am not completely enamoured with the design.
Melissa ~ We're on the same wave length.
Bobbot ~ Thank you for your wisdom. And you are so right! I do have "Yılbaşı" - New year's eve to pause and thank for having friends like you. May 2012 bring you better health and your hear's fondest desires
Christine ~ It is indeed. Thank you.
Jon ~ Thanks, friend.
Miguela ~ Art imitates life - may it do so only in good ways!
d. white ~ Thanks for your view. I hope we do as you suggest.
Christine ~ Thank you for expressing your thoughts.
TME ~ Long time, no see. I am with you in your hopeful thoughts. Happy holidays.
Vivian ~ "Gasp!" indeed.
LL2 ~ I hope they designed it not for sensationalism, but with the best of intentions as the firm stated. May your thoughts be good and serene ones.
Mary ~ Thank you so much for gracing my post. I celebrate knowing you and your friendship.
Jeannette ~ That makes at least three of us then. Thank you for stopping by. Best to you!
Walter ~ You are not alone in your reaction and I welcome all thoughts. Thank you for your candidness.
ASH ~ Thank you for your input. I agree that current priority about political correctness, regarding almost anything, has made reluctant free thinkers and articulators of our voices.
Fernsy ~ It's been interesting to read all the comments; but you seem to capture the essence in a fig seed. Thank you.
Esteemed Colleague ~ I agree with your statement that taste is a very individual matter, and this is not an easy topic to respond frivolously. Thank you for offering your wisdom.
AWalrond ~ Thank you for your thoughts.
Spike ~ Good point, thank you.
There's no other explanation that makes sense to me--who would design something like this on purpose, aside from...well...let's not go there, either.
Thanks for adding a dose of reality to the holiday fluff I'm guilty of doling out, too. Somebody has to do it!