Or

I don't get the same image, no, and they are not intended to be the same (in the first sentence).

So the 'or' in question is not really # 2 here:

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/or

but you think it's rather #1, right, MM?

I'm just interpreting it as I read it, Taka. Two views of the floor.

I see.

Just out of interest, if the original sentence was this:

Each floor takes on the appearance of a city represented by a map, or looked at from the air, as people on escalators ascend.

and 'or' was replaced with 'that is/in other words' as this:

Each floor takes on the appearance of a city represented by a map, that is/in other wo

I still don't see the point in creating 2 similes that mean the same thing; that's why I continue to view them as alternatives. I am certainly ready to admit that others may see it your way.

OK.

The final question ( I promise!) to end the discussion.

What do you think is the difference between the image

Just because they are (as I said) two different similes referring to the building floor layouts. Why would a writer use one simile to explain another simile?

I see.

To tell you the truth, I didn't interpret the 'or' in question as 'that is/in other words'?which is #2 of the dictionary the URL of which I provided above?but the book I have does. So I wondered if it was really so, and I asked the question.

Thanks for accompanying me, MM.