One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, was opened on May 29, 2015 in Lower Manhattan, New York City. This skyscraper was built as a tribute to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 when Al Qaida flown American Airlines planes crashed into the Twin Towers. Nine years in the making, plans for the Tower began in 2006, driven by American banker David Rockefeller. One World Trade Center is located on the northwest corner of the 16 acre World Trade Center site in the exact spot where 6 World Trade Center once stood.
Standing at 1792 feet tall, the Freedom tower is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The architect for this massive project was New Yorker David Childs. Childs said the following when discussing his approach to the project: “We really wanted our design to be grounded in something that was very real, not just in sculptural sketches. We explored the infrastructural challenges because the proper solution would have to be compelling, not just beautiful. The design does have great sculptural implications, and we fully understand the iconic importance of the tower, but it also has to be a highly efficient building. The discourse about Freedom Tower has often been limited to the symbolic, formal and aesthetic aspects but we recognize that if this building doesn't function well, if people don't want to work and visit there, then we will have failed as architects.” Childs clearly took into account both the importance of the behind the meaning of the Freedom of tower as well as the actual functionality.
When you enter One World Trade Center you are directed through a series of metal detectors and security precautions to ensure the safety of the building and those visiting. Next, you enter into a hallway where a screen covering the entire wall screen showing you the developement of the building. Following this, visitors must stand in line to get into elevators that will take you up 104 stories to the first observation deck. On this incredible ride up to the top of the skyscraper you are surrounded by screens on all four sides. As you get higher and higher you are shown the development of New York city starting in 1500 all the way to present day. You see how the flat, wooded area that was once NYC has developed into the booming city it is today. Once at the top, there are a series of observation decks that allow you to look out across all of NYC. To enhance the experience, there are ipads available for renting that allow you to point them out the window, and see the buildings labeled on the screen in front of you.
Great post Kate! I think one of the most interesting parts of the Freedom Tower is its cultural significance. That is, the fact that we are able to build this massive sculpture in itself shows our ability to be resilient as Americans against those dangerous terrorist attacks. Much like other monuments like the Oklahoma City Monument, these serve to have a deeper purpose rooted in their simple presence.
ReplyDeleteI think it is always interesting to look at architecture in a historical context. It is not often that a building has the same significance of rebuilding and emerging stronger from a national catastrophe. I think it speaks to the American spirit and culture that after such a catastrophe we choose to rebuild an even taller building in its place, rather than simply erecting a memorial as would be done elsewhere. However, I do think that the decision to make the tower 1792 feet tall is a missed opportunity to make it 1776 feet tall...
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It's so interesting to learn about the Freedom Tower and what is means to Americans. Its cultural significance really stands out and shows the strength of our nation's people in a time of despair – by building the Freedom Tower, Americans took a bold stand against terrorism.
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