The Freedom Tower of Isengard?
 

Is it just me, or is the Freedom Tower (the tower that will go in the WTC site to commemorate the lost souls of 9/11) look like a clear/glassy version of the Orthanc, Saruman's stronghold, from a certain angle? Maybe it's just my imagination, but I think it's pretty cool. (Of course the designers of the tower had no intention of making it this way, I just thought of it.)

EDIT: the second pic on the Freedom Tower page is the one that looks like Orthanc IMO. Just letting you know.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 3:07 PM December 19, 2003: Message edited by: Caoimhin ]

You're right, it does kind of look like a "good" version of Orthanc. If we find out that one of the designers was a Tolkien an, it would be the most priceless practical joke of the millennium!!!!!!!!!! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

It's very nice and I can see what you mean.

I remember them building the Twin Towers and everyone hating their drab, grey, boring shapes although they got used to them after a while. This is much better.

Yes, it kind of does... But whaddaya mean, 'good version' of orthanc? wasn't orthanc good, and saruman just started using it? My understanding is that elves made it, and so it can't be all bad (unless it is like the 9 rings, or the 7 rings).

cool! it does sorta look like orthanc. the big difference is that orthanc is guarded by ancient magic, and this tower is probably guarded by SAM sites

It does look like a crystal version of Orthanc, a bit. Very attractive.

By the way, I believe Orthanc was built by the Numenorians when they first established their kingdoms in Gondor and Arnor. It's located between the two.

and

From The Two Towers, The Road to Isengard.

I just thought I would add that most great structures (Orthanc included) were built by the men of Westerneese long ago. Orthanc, the Morannon, Minas Ithil(morgul), even Cirith Ungol, as well as many smaller fortresses on the mountains of shadow. But yes it does look like a more wholesome version or lighter version of Orthanc.

lighter, yes, but more wholesome? I think orthanc is cool. also, it is not evil if made by the numenoreans (necessarily).
Sorry about my saying it was made by elves.