The controversy surrounding Daniel Libeskind’s planned stone-and-glass pyramidal tower in Jerusalem reached fever pitch late last month. Following impassioned objections by groups and individuals, the city approved the plan on October 28th, but with major revisions. The officials reduced the height of the mixed-use building by more than one-third, from 539 feet to 355 feet. Additionally, they ordered the architect to replace the arched arcade around the base with retail businesses that open to the street, and forbade the placement of communication devices, such as cell phone towers, above the apex. A 10-year time frame was stipulated for completion.

Asked whether he would stay with the project despite the setback, Libeskind said in an e-mail, “We will continue full-speed ahead.” Neither the building’s pyramid shape nor its program—apartments, a boutique hotel, a museum, and an observation platform with a restaurant and café—will change, he claims.