Rafael Viñoly: The pragmatist of Park Avenue

The world-renowned architect talks to TRD about designing for the 1 percent and the industry’s ‘artist’ complex

Rafael Viñoly
Rafael Viñoly

From the June issue: There are few parts of Manhattan — or even the outer boroughs — Where 432 Park Avenue, rising in all its geometric perfection, is not visible.

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For that reason and others, it’s also become one of the most controversial buildings in the city. While this architecture critic sees beauty in the building’s radical, repetitive simplicity, some observers have criticized it for being too simple. To them, it is an unavoidable landmark that has forever altered — and even spoiled — the view down Park Avenue, as well as many other vistas. Most of all, they see it as an act of architectonic arrogance, incarnating the hubris of the 1 percent. [more]