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#1 2010-07-31 11:26:16
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Ultimate Modernism: The American Skyscraper
The cathedrals of the 20th century, according to D.K. Adams, constructed often by men who believed in God to symbolise the triumph of capitalism over... over what? All my adult life - and even before then - I have been mesmerised by the image of the Empire State Building (via 'King Kong' and the stupendously erotic Fay Wray). I have never been to New York; probably never likely to now; would like to read the impressions of those who have had the experience.
#2 2010-08-02 00:23:35
- heikki k
- The Ivyist's Ivyist
- Posts: 1442
Re: Ultimate Modernism: The American Skyscraper
likewise. i'm a huge fan of ('classic' - if you dont't mind me using this expressinon) skyscrapers from the humble-ish beginnings of the flatiron building to empire state and beyond. for some reason, i admire the brash art deco design of chrysler building even more than the empire state.
#3 2010-08-02 00:53:45
- Rip Rig & Panic
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Re: Ultimate Modernism: The American Skyscraper
Yes, the Chrysler is pretty amazing, isn't it? Tall buildings never seem to work well in England.
#8 2010-08-02 02:11:33
- Rip Rig & Panic
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Re: Ultimate Modernism: The American Skyscraper
I like the choice of the word 'intimidating'. The Normans built that way in England. All those imposing arches, often constructed one on top of another. I much prefer Anglo-Saxon building: 'long and short work'. More 'homely'. I only know skyscrapers from hundreds of photographic images and every movie I've ever watched set in the Big Apple.
#9 2010-08-02 02:26:28
- Rip Rig & Panic
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Re: Ultimate Modernism: The American Skyscraper
This subject brings us back to the 'dreamscape' idea I grew up with. The notion of anyone actually going to America was too fantastic to contemplate. You knew people who emigrated, but always to Canada, Australia or South Africa; never America. When my Dad's best friend moved to take a job with P&W in 1977 it seemed awesome. He went a-visiting and my first shirts and shoes began to filter back, together with cut-outs, peanut butter cups and Hershey Bars etc. He even went to the top of one of the Twin Towers, something I could never have done, being terrified of high places.