Google Map of Swastika-Shaped Building

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    This Google map satellite pic of a swastika-shaped building on a US Navy base in Coronado, California, has been making its rounds on the internet.

    According to some sources, the building is part of the training facilities for Navy Seals, and is perhaps their barracks. It's nicknamed "The Seals Lair".

    Apparently, the building was constructed with no intention of promoting the swastika symbol, so it was completely unintentional.

    I note that for its time period, the design of the building was really optimal for a number of reasons. Buildings constructed during that time were designed to allow best access for rooms to light and air, since air conditioning was uncommon. I bet the architect was really pleased with this layout, since it made great use of the site plot, while maximizing each barrack wing's window exposure. Also, the design included some courtyard greenspace between each of the wings, which is also very good for aesthetics and psychological wellbeing.

    But, should the happenstance of increasing popularity of satellite imagery be a strong enough reason to reshape the building so that it will no longer have the swastika profile, as some people seem to think should be done? I don't think so.

    Note Bene: This image is Geotagged. See my article about how flickr has added geotagging features.

    I also mentioned this photo on my blog posting on How to use Flickr for Image Search Optimization.

    9/26/2007: CNN has just reported that the Navy has taken so much flack on this that they're going to change the building's offensive shape by adding landscaping and other structures to the tune of over $600,000! Must be the first time that online maps have forced a complete building redesign! Check out my blog posting on how Google Maps forced the Navy to redesign the swastika building.

    If you're interested in more of my writing on Technology, Mapping, Local Search and more, check out my articles at Search Engine Land: Chris Silver Smith.

    9/11/2009: There's also a swastika-shaped building in Alabama, a nursing home, which the operators have attempted to change to remove the swastika shape, to little success so far.

    Hr. espensen, ekurvine, dcy3, Asbjorn2005, and 87 other people added this photo to their favorites.

    View 20 more comments

    1. shiloh_baxter 9 months ago | reply

      the shape has been around for hundreds of years.... one meaning is the Indian sign for PEACE.... another is for WELL BEING..... there are many meanings for the same design, depending on the culture it had been used..... another meaning is that of GOOD LUCK...

      IT DOES NOT MEAN WHITE SUPREMACIST........ so get that out of ones head....

    2. travel science 7 months ago | reply

      This building looks to me to be part of the architect's little diagram of the allied victory in WW2. Zoom out just a bit and you can see what looks like two bomber airplanes heading toward the swastika-shaped building (mentioned in one of the first comments above), presumably to bomb it. It is unmistakeable. Google map link

    3. Ed_X 7 months ago | reply

      That is exactly what i tried tell all the time, but people just dont pay attention. It celebrates the allied victory in WWII

    4. travel science 7 months ago | reply

      I agree. However, even if the Navy's response letter is indeed real, it seems more like them covering up the fact that the designs are not particularly appropriate, no matter the intent. I mean come on, the end result is that a lot of sailors are living in a giant swastika.

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