Libeskind Says Downturn is Right Time for Mega Projects

Architect Daniel Libeskind, designer of part of the new Las Vegas megaproject CityCenter, says now is the right time to be building big and bold projects.

1 minute read

December 17, 2009, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"SPIEGEL ONLINE: Mr. Libeskind, you are the designer of "Crystals", a gigantic shopping center that is part of the $8.5 million CityCenter complex in Las Vegas, the largest privately financed building complex in the history of the US. You designed the retail centerpiece complete with luxury stores such as Tiffany, Gucci and Prada. Isn't all that a little anachronistic in these times of economic crisis?

Daniel Libeskind: On the contrary. Projects that are very bold and have a financial value that lasts are really important, especially in times when people don't have money. This is not the time for mediocre projects. Only in crisis times like these do people go out and do extraordinary things. This is how the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center got built."

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in Der Spiegel

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