Question 3
1 pts
The trend towards building "iconic" buildings was a big concern for the historic USA
architecture that surrounded the new buildings -- but this changed in the early 2000s when
the trend shifted from the USA to other nations. What caused this shift, according to the
Larsonois article?
A trend started that had a desire to focus on building functionality, efficiency and most importantly
sustainability. The worries about global climate change led to social responsibility in architecture.
The Great Recession (financial crisis) of 2007-2008 and beyond led celebrity architects to build in
place with more money like the United Arab Emirates and China.
Famous architects tend to have a giant ego. However, a USA law passed that required that iconic
buildings be approved by the surrounding historic neighborhoods. The thought that local citizens
might be able to say no to a great architect's plans just rubbed these egotistical folks the wrong way
and they took their fame to places where their egos could be properly stroked.
The building efficiency standards passed at the turn of the century for energy efficiency made most
iconic building designs unable to qualify... to pass these standards. Thus, they took their cool
designs to places that did not have these efficiency restrictions.