Well I wrote Durst an e-mail this morning as follows,
I recently came across an article from the Wall Street Journal detailing plans that Durst are looking into both TV and radio signal capabilities at 1 World Trade Center. That is nothing surprising, however the fact that the Durst Organization is looking to alter and change the design of 1 World Trade Center's spire is very worrisome.
I am a native New Yorker, I was born and raised here in New York City and I can tell you that changing the look of the architectural spire on top of 1 World Trade Center would be a horrible idea. I understand the motive and it comes down to money, that is no surprise, but this is not just any building we are talking about. This is 1 World Trade Center, the building that is supposed to be the focal point of the whole rebuilding process.
Now before you think I am Anti-Durst, I am not. I enjoy the two mega developments Durst has created in New York City, 4 Times Square and One Bryant Park. I love those buildings, and I love the recently implemented lighting designs at night for their spires/antenna. One Bryant Park has an architectural spire, it looks a bit like an oil rig but its something interesting and fits with the building. Four Times Square's antenna is very mechanical and in honesty is ugly, however it works with the top of the building because 4 Times Square is very mechanical on top and it actually makes the building look better than it did before the antenna was added on.
One World Trade Center's spire was designed to fit in with the building and its a beautifully done creation. To take that away and place a thinner, cheaper antenna on top would be horrible. Sometimes you just cannot look at it like a corporation and only have money on the mind. Sometimes you need to simply stop and think for a minute what you are doing and how something will look and be reflected upon. I was happy when Durst made their way to One World Trade Center but now I am not so sure.
As a native New Yorker who wants to see the spire as originally designed by the architects sitting on top of One World Trade Center, I implore you please do not alter the design of the spire. This building cannot be a disappointment. After so much time and energy placed into the design and construction, do not take away the one thing that was going to cap the tower and show the mixture of beauty and might it would have by replacing it with a simple antenna. If somehow there is a way to keep the design of the spire and put the antenna inside of it, do it.
I don't expect a reply... and I apologize for writing so much but this is certainly an issue I wanted to touch on. I don't write to a lot of people but this was something I had to mention. As I said, I am a fan of the Durst Organization, but I am not a fan of this concept.
And this is what I got as a reply, which was fairly quick.
Dan,
Thank you for your thoughtful email. The issue with the Radome is that it doesn't work on the top of the building. It's not an aesthetic issue or even a cost issue. The material simply cannot be serviced or maintained on the spire. The spire will be lit with LED lights and there will be a beacon on the top. I think it will look great and I hope you do as well.
Best,
Jordan
Which doesn't really answer anything.
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