Architecturally,
the nations of Asia tend to be far more avant-garde
than Western countries. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo,
and Hong Kong erect skyscrapers that are both dizzying
in height, and boggling in their forms. However, for
the most part Kuala Lumpur disappoints. With the notable
exception of the Petronas Towers, most of the skyscrapers
in the city follow the boring Western mode. The Menara
Maybank is also a fortunate exception. It creates
harmony out of discord by pairing a leaning angle
with another pushing back in the opposite direction.
The silhouette is something like a Fuji symbol, but
more dramatic because each side is missing a leg.
This creates visual tension that can almost make you
imagine that the two sides of the building are locked
in an embrace, in a tango, or in a fight to the death.
Whatever the case, it is a welcome change from the
skyscraper doldrums that have infected this city.
