Monday, October 10, 2005

How to Build a Skyscraper

For those of you interested in the intricacies of how to build a world class skyscraper, New York Times VP David Thurm spells it out in the Harvard Business Review. Lesson Numero Uno: educate yourself and become the co-project manager. Lesson Numero Dos: Don’t fall for BS like “value engineering.” Lesson Numero Tres: Get manufacturers to make cool shit just for you on the cheap because you’re the Times. Lesson Numero Catorce (oops, I mean Cuatro): Involve the underlings in a meaningful way.

In all seriousness, if the Times builds its building the way Mr. Thurm says it is, Renzo Piano's tower will become an icon in the New York skyline in a way that none of the Times' previous buildings have.