Architectural Masterbation or The Redefinition of Public Space

Here are the basic stats...
The Library Square Project was the largest capital project ever undertaken by the City of Vancouver. The decision to build the project came after a favorable public referendum in November 1990. The City then held a design competition to choose a design for the new building. The design by Moshe Safdie was by far the most radical design and yet was the public favorite. The inclusion of the office tower in the design was required in order to pay for it and as part of a deal with the federal government to obtain the land; the federal government has a long term lease on the high rise office tower portion of the project. Construction began in early 1993 and was completed in 1995.
In addition to its function as the central branch of the city's public library system, the one square block project also includes an attached office high-rise, retail shops, restaurants, and underground public parking.

Now...Let me begin by saying...
I'm a huge fan of Mr. Safdie. There are several projects which he was involved that show great insight, talent, understanding, and imagination. Typically his structures project intelligence and elegance. Take for instance The Class of 1959 Chapel at Harvard University, or the Habitat 67 housing complex. 
Now my problem with Library Square isn't necessarily the obvious reference to the iconic Coliseum in Roma. Nor do i have a problem with alluding to other styles or even plagiarizing the occasional smart detail. What I have a problem with in this particular case is two fold...

• 1) I have a huge problem with the scale and site. The site doesn't allow one to truly appreciate the buildings size. And the scale is too humanistic. It is purely my opinion. But I think an homage to the coliseum should incorporate the reverence and respect that giants walked through those archways. Men for whom death was certain... The new structure now houses giants as well...Giants of intellect and vision.
• 2) My second issue is with the materials and finish...The coliseum is famous for its use, its shape, but also its deconstructed, skeletal remains. What would the world think of a glass and iron Taj Mahal... They would probably think its shit...
  So the fact that our Coliseum is smooth and clean and complete feels like an architectural deception.

As a whole this building has provided Vancouver a utilitarian public venue with a re-interpreted classical backdrop, a beautiful library and an architectural feature worthy of discussion...