Henry Melcher reports on a humorous response to the new renderings revealed for the future 2 WTC tower (also the future home of 21st Century Fox and News Corp), designed by Bjarke Ingels Group.
As the obviously biggest news story of the week from the world of architecture and design, the renderings of the new design for 2 WTC attracted a lot of attention, including that of a Change.org petitioner by the name of Caragh Poh, who sees the design as a potential "staircase for monsters." The petition, which as of this writing had been signed by 33 supporters, asks Bjarke Ingels the following: "Please do not make buildings that only make it easier for King Kong to climb."
Henry Melcher, who interviewed Ingels earlier in the week, says The Architect's Newspaper "failed" to ask the architect about the King Kong-friendly format of the skyscraper.
Melcher also notes that Bjarke Ingels dressed as King Kong for Halloween back in 2011, so maybe, just maybe (OK, probably not) providing a comfortable place for King Kong to frolic was Ingels's plan all along.
FULL STORY: BJARKE INGELS MUM ON WHETHER TWO WORLD TRADE IS A STAIRCASE FOR KING KONG

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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