Design for the Digital Age?

“Mr. Gehry’s design is about bringing that same sensibility — the focus on refined textures, the cultivation of a sense that something has been shaped by a human hand — to the digital age.”

So the New York Times reviews the new building at 8 Spruce Street designed by star-chitect Frank Gehry — the tallest luxury residential tower in New York City.  And it appears to be true from the inside and out – a beautiful and sculptural exterior with a function, cozy interior based on Mr. Ouroussoff’s assessment.  Many of the architects earlier buildings had beautiful exteriors but poorly thought out interiors, “criticized for creating wildly sculptural forms that are nothing more than masks.”  But this building appears not to do that and, if so it is likely to be some of Gehry’s best work.

But given the beauty of this facade as it reaches from Gotham to the sky — one has to wonder if the beauty is skin deep.  Nothing is mentioned in the review about the building’s performance.  Gehry is not known for producing the most green, high performing buildings, but one has to wonder — if this building is to provide a reference point for design for the digital age, then how does it speak about sustainability.  Does it make any kind of statement other than reinforcing the consumption of the “pampered young professionals” who will reside there?