Trump Tower is an example of the prototypical Miesian glass box gone right. In New York and countless other cities black reflective glass became a cliche in the mid to late 20th century. The box form maximizes space and revenue. But the man behind this building, showman Donald Trump, wanted more. He was Content to allow one corner of this building to be shaved off in right angles to create something interesting that sets it apart from similar buildings. Of course, money is always a motive, and the notching also creates more corners and more windows, which means the offices and residences in this building have more light and can be leased at substantially higher prices. Still, at least it's something different in a city that deserves outstanding architecture.

At the base of the cutaway side the transition to the building's square footprint is completed by a series of stepped boxes. When viewed from the street, the cut-away side resembles a tall glass waterfall crashing onto blocks at the base. This mimics the actual three-story tall waterfall which plunges through the lobby of this building, enhancing the sense of occasion in an already luxurious building.

The vertical steps should allow more light to fall on Fifth Avenue and Trump's neighboring buildings, but the building is still an overtly dark presence. It's dark tinted windows and black framing seem to suck the light out of the neighborhood. The visual void in the cityscape becomes a compelling psychological one demanding you either look directly at it, or directly away.