Is it possible they're taking a shock and awe approach by releasing an over the top graphic first, and then releasing more realistic renderings?
SHOCK!!! "It's hideous!!!"
Awe... "Maybe it's not so bad after all."
I'm not convinced the west side of this thing won't end up looking ridiculous when it's done, but if it isn't a disaster (and it probably won't be), it'll certainly be great for our city's reputation, so I'm all for it. It''s hard to even imagine what it'll look like when done since I've never seen anything like it before.
I'm curious about how those fins will hold up under the stress of a wind storm. Granted, we tend to get those in the winter, when the fins would have less growth on them. Still... I don't want to see the federal building sailing its way up 3rd Ave
...then again, maybe I do. That would be quite a show.