The Hobart building is pretty to look at. But if I'm actually going to spend my time in the building, I would much rather have the floor-to-ceiling windows of a generic modern steel-and-glass tower.

I wonder how much of this design trend is due to the development of better materials (e.g. more insulating glass).

Glass is still a terrible insulator, even if it is more efficient than what it used to be.

Why ?

Natural light. View. The illusion of space rather than confinement.

And when you look out from those large floor-to-ceiling windows, you will see another steel-and-glass tower. And when you go outside, you will be surrounded by them, as will your children when they try to play. But I'm sure as long as you're bunkered in your room and ignore the outside world, steel-and-glass towers are great - location is irrelevant when it comes to real-estate.

I have a pretty nice view actually. I'm sorry you are bitter.