For Rafael Viñoly, running large offices in London and New York sometimes means putting out fires. Last summer, 20 Fenchurch Street, a Viñoly-designed skyscraper in the City of London, nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie, was blamed for incinerating a car—after its concave glass surface concentrated too much sunlight onto a parked Jaguar. The tabloids had a field day. Meanwhile, in New York, he may be best known for designing 432 Park Avenue, a 1,380-foot-high residential tower under construction at the corner of 57th Street. The building is one of a group of supertalls that critics have said will cast unreasonably long shadows over Central Park. On the bright side, the building, with its almost Miesian restraint, has been contrasted with an oddly fussy tower by Christian de Portzamparc a few blocks west.
How do you feel about speaking with the press?
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.