How does architecture and history collide? It happens when what is deemed "art" or "breakthrough" design rubs salt into a dark past.
This is the case with the design for a new apartment complex in S. Korea. Developers are calling it a "pixilated cloud" which is a profusion of box-like extensions jutting out from the middle of two tower blocks, and fusing them together (like the Petronas Towers in Malaysia but more comical looking). The design however has sparked sharped criticism from those who see it as a resemblance of the World Trade Center Collapse during 9/11.
The design made by a Dutch company is part of a flagship project to develop a major new site in central Seoul but the PR chief of Youngsan Development Company Seo Hee-seok the accusation came as a huge shock to them. This is where "Cultural differences" takes shape, since in S. Korean symbolism and spiritual impact of buildings are very important. Feng Shui experts are often consulted on the best possible position of a new construction and a few years back the vast front gate to Seoul's main Gyeongbok palace was moved and rotated to erase changes made by former Japanese colonial rulers.
There is little opposition to the plan in Seoul but Mr. Seo explains that even if it does remind people of 9/11 there is no law saying it can't be built. It might be interpreted differently but simply put it is a piece of architecture which shows a very unique and fantastic design (trendy).
The design has yet to be finalized and construction is planned by 2013 which is ample time to examine all aspects of the design and the impact it has. The problem with most people who associate it with 9/11 is the fact that they tend to associate it with symbolism of the tragedy, it was never intended to offend but was created to show architectural breakthroughs.
