These towers are perhaps the most stunning towers of business I have ever observed, either in design or through experience. Every month, I read about the expansion of Dubai as a global cultural mecca. A few months ago, CNBC’s Erin Burnett, discussed the increased magnetism of Dubai as a center for experimental art. They are building towers under the sea, and now these spinning, solar devices, posing as places of commerce. _If_ capitalism leads to cultural innovation, then Dubai is the new proof of concept.
Still, both these and the tower I included below, remind me somehow of my visit to NYC in 2004. By accident I stayed in a hotel, that just happened to overlook the “pit” that was all that remained of the World Trade Center. Towers of capital destroyed and towers which represent through their design and materials, even more capital, are leaving me with a sense that I wish the world was flatly human.
Tim O’Reilly commented to me in Twitter, that when he was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a cab driver expressed his pride in the Petronas Towers. I agree, towers do inspire awe. But it is as if one is in the presence of giants, who we allow to carry us up to their impressive heights. But in our elation, do we forget to notice the other messages being whispered as we enjoy the view?
On the Wikipedia page for the Petronas Towers, there is a diagram comparing heights of skyscrapers. It did not include the Dubai towers. But I like it none the less. It appears almost anthropomorphic:
source: @timoreilly on twitter
Leave a Reply