One World Trade Center, a defiant glass tower that unmistakably breaks through its skyline as the loftiest building in New York City and the fifth highest globally, stands tall as an architectural masterpiece by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. This 104-story skyscraper bears a numerical name to empathize with the North Tower of the original World Trade Center, annihilated in the terrorism rampage on September 11, 2001. It's clear that New York's resurgence is truly an elevating journey.
Even in 2015, right up there where the Empire State Building is, the tower is the new icon of New York's skyline and the most recognized and desirable office address in the world
In my opinion, it is a successful reclaim of the downtown skyline and also enhances lower Manhattan’s standing as a preeminent business district. Furthermore, it stands right where some 3000 Americans lost their lives, so it holds sentimental value and a history that existed way before it was conceptualized. Furthermore, the cubic base has a footprint identical to the original Twin Towers, another link in respect to the fallen towers.
It’s patriotic 1776-foot height is a monumental figure in honour of the year of the declaration of independence for the USA confederate.
As the tower ascends, its edges chamfered back to form 8 isosceles triangles, a perfect octagon at center. It culminates in a square, glass parapet at the crown, its crystalline form creating a vibrant effect, as light refracts like a kaleidoscope, changing throughout the day. It's a phenomal view both of the tower and out of the tower. Which brings up the icing on the tower, the “One World Observatory”.
The “One World Observatory” is an enclosed observation deck rising 1,250 ft. above street level. It's an exclusive experience that gives guests that top of the world view, for those enthusiastic about height. The crown of One WTC is a 408-foot spire — consisting of a mast and a communication platform ring. At night, a beacon at the top sends out a horizontal light beam, which can be seen from miles away.
During the design and construction, the urge to splurge was not overlooked. When it comes to costs, no other skyscraper comes close to the 1WTC. According to Emporis, the 1WTC is not only in the list of the world's top ten most expensive buildings but, get this, it's right at the top with a whooping $3.9 billion. American dollars. Originally estimated at just half that cost, the 1WTC is in it's own list of the buildings with the most absurd overruns. Regardless, it is a standing icon of unity, picking up a heritage in American history and thus, in my opinion, is worth the investment.
Project Information:
Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Designer: David M. Childs
Masterplan: Daniel Libeskind
Location: New York, United States
Completion: 2014
Height: 104 Stories / 1776 feet high
Photography: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Iwan Baan, Joe Woolhead, James Ewing Otto
