The magic is rooted in Hadid's ability to choreograph every element of the building and take you off on an architectural adventure.
But the three sets of stairways — "communicating stairs," the New School calls them — are the most arresting element of the building.
She calls this the "urban carpet," and, while it is not the most successful element of the building, it underscores her determination to present the arts center as inseparable from the streetscape.
But London City said National Air Traffic Control must be consulted over the potential impact on radar systems, noting "the gondalas will be moving and therefore may have a slightly different effect than a static element of the building".
But the outcome is unexpectedly heartening, too, in that Mr. Bertoia's screen is once again on public display, now with signs explaining its significance as an "integral element of the building".
Every new element of the building is massive, solid, of the quality that so many of us want from new architecture, yet rarely find - partly because of cost, partly because the level of detailing and craftsmanship it requires is difficult to achieve.
