The curvy building is visible from a few blocks away, as its flowering top pokes above the adjacent rooftops. If we compare this building to another starchitecture design nearing completion, we can see how each responds almost the same way to the city's zoning (setting back at a certain height), though in stylistically different ways ("organic" vs. boxy).
If we analyze Gehry's building following this setback separation, the top is much more successful than the bottom. The image above illustrates how more curves are present in the top than the bottom. This extra detail above gives the building a more varied presence depending on the point of view. As well, the extra "curviness" of the top makes this area more dramatic.
The bottom, on the other hand, doesn't fail due to forms or curves but from the way it meets the ground. Schools of architecture are always teaching this aspect of design, but here it appears that Gehry ignored that consideration. Not only does the building just basically end at the sidewalk, it also is primarily impenetrable, indicating that it will not contain any pedestrian retail. Its location on the West Side Highway may have determined this decision, though nevertheless its presence at this lower level could have been handled better.
Directions:
The building is located between 18th and 19th Streets on Manhattan's West Side Highway. Take the C,E to 23 St.
Previously:
#1 - Church of the Crucifixion
#2 - 40 Mercer Residences
#3 - Dichroic Light Field
#4 - Juan Valdez Flagship
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