[Barbarossa]

Originally Posted by Crawford

I love this tower, and predict it will be exactly like 432 Park. Everyone will be complaining until its built, and then curiously quiet (implicitly acknowledging that Viñoly is indeed a great architect).

I actually think this is the most exciting tower, right now, in Manhattan. New Midtown tallest, highest observation deck, great materials (Viñoly is always about subtle materials that don't really reveal themselves until you have the finished product) and perfect location in the dead-center core of the skyline.

Also, can someone explain why they think 1 Vanderbilt is a better design? I find that bizarre. 1 Vandy, while OK, is garbage compared to Tower Fifth. Viñoly actually builds contemporary towers, not derivative crap. 1 Vandy will be a background building, except for the spectacular nighttime lighting. Will be overshadowed by Chase and Grand Hyatt towers.

One Vanderbilt is one of the best new towers in the city because it is designed with the context of the city in mind - namely neo art deco and futurist elements.