Norman Foster Moscow Tower (Meant To Be Europe’s Tallest) Is Cancelled

“Work on the architect’s 118-floor tower began last year. The skyscraper was sited on industrial land next to Moscow’s river, surrounded by old warehouses and Soviet-era apartment blocks. The skyscraper was meant to be the centrepiece of a new business district and a symbol of Russia’s resurgent economic might. Its cancellation is an embarrassment for the Kremlin.”

Dubai’s Architectural Bubble Bursts

“It has finally happened: the Dubai bubble has burst. Architecture-spotters like myself have looked on in amazement, or rather incredulity, at the way the tiny emirate has continued to unveil ever grander construction projects – taller skyscrapers, huger hotels, vaster artificial islands – in apparent defiance of the global credit crunch. Now, that crunch has hit home.”

The Essential Gustavo Dudamel

“When the charismatic South American takes over from Esa-Pekka Salonen, who is stepping down after 17 years at the podium [at the Los Angeles Philharmonic] to further his composing career, he will bring a rare combination of youth and experience, gravitas and exuberance, old-school European repertory knowledge and a New World willingness to break with fusty practices when necessary.”