U.S. Census Bureau HQ looks like a 'giant wicker basket'

Rather than blending in with the heavily wooded surroundings, I think the Census Bureau building (BD+C May 2007, p. 66) looks like a giant wicker basket. What a waste of good wood.

Those wood pickets may provide some shade (and some energy savings), but at what cost? Will the energy savings really offset the cost of initial installation as well as the long-term maintenance?

If that's the look that the designer is going for, that's acceptable. However, I find it hard to accept that façade as a “green” item.

Mike Mountcastle, Raleigh, N.C.