A new report from 'green' consultants Terrapin Bright Green is making waves in the architecture world with its wild case for the systematic demolition of most Midcentury Modernist skyscrapers in Manhattan. You see, they just aren't environmentally sound enough or adaptable to today's building standards. Favorite Chicago architectural critic Lynn Becker pokes holes in the argument and then turns his attention to the story of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe's highly adaptable IBM Building, which he holds up as the "apotheosis of the skyscraper". Ahead of its time in respect to energy efficiency, the tower has been revamped and improved in welcoming the Langham Hotel. Take it away Lynn! [ArchitectureChicagoPLUS, previously, photo: J. Crocker/Wikipedia Commons]
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