Yes here’s the other EarthCam view.
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“If history teaches us anything about new urban architecture, it’s this: Ignore the critics and follow the crowds. New Yorkers love most every new project that’s sneered at by architecture snobs”….by Steve Cuozzo
I agree with the above quote taken from an article I saw today doing a random search on various topics related to Architectural Design.
The article rings-true to me; and well applies to this project at 262 Fifth Ave as it does to the Hudson Yards project.
Enjoy the read: it is a good one. 
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Comparing HYs fail or not fail to this abomination is an insult to HY. Not to mention that its not even architecture “snobs” that are calling this thing ugly, it’s literally also just normal lay people that have no architectural background, and you don’t need one to think this is ugly.
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Idk most people I see irl think it looks cool 
(and me)
I take this back, I didn’t read what thread this was I agree this building is hideous
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Honestly there is something alluring about someone making every wrong choice aesthetically. This is lolcow architecture
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I have noticed that wide-plank wood flooring is a favorite for new residential condo developments. I did a search of various new condo buildings in NYC: ALL had wide plank wood floors as opposed the traditional 2" wood planks.
Whatever the reason; they do look good in the photos of 262 Fifth Avenue. I predict the price-per-square-foot for these new condo units will be record breakers. 
This one is a beauty: inside AND out.
BTW - I checked with ChatGPT on why wide plank wood floors are now the default choice in new condo developments.
AI excerpt -
The dominance of wide-plank wood flooring (typically 6 to 12 inches wide or more) in modern high-rise luxury condos is driven by a combination of visual aesthetics, engineering advances, and real estate market expectations.
1. Spatial Perception & Reduced Visual Clutter
Fewer Seams:** Traditional narrow wood strip flooring (e.g., 2 to 3 inches) creates hundreds of parallel joint lines across a room. Wide planks significantly reduce the density of these seams.
Making Spaces Feel Expansive:** In high-rise apartments—where maximizing sight lines and light is crucial—fewer seams create an unbroken visual flow.
2. Alignment with Modern Architectural Aesthetics
Emphasizing Natural Material:** Wider planks showcase the full length and width of the wood’s natural grain, subtle tonal variations, and organic knots, giving each board a custom, gallery-like quality.
3. Breakthroughs in Engineered Wood Technology
Historically, solid wide wood planks were prone to cupping, warping, and gapping when exposed to changes in temperature or humidity.
End AI quote.
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I bet it’s used because it’s cheaper. No need to overthink it. Smaller pieces probably means more labor installing it. This is only a hypothesis.
No, it’s pretty much what the AI answer said. No one is choosing the pricy extra wide engineered hardwood to save maybe a couple bucks a sq ft in install labor.
Trends come and go -
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DZLi_ZAkSzQ/?img_index=1
https://www.instagram.com/tectonicphoto/p/Db6ATOvkc2U/?img_index=1
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Since when did they change from portholes to rectangular on this side of the tower (I can’t tell whether it’s Hudson or East River)? This has to be a value-enggineering maneuver…?
Or did they? I’m thoroughly confuuuuuuuused. 