New Tower Design for WTC Site - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

The_Dude · 12-19-2003, 10:10 PM

Quote:

By AMY WESTFELDT, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - The signature skyscraper at the World Trade Center site will be a 1,776-foot glass tower that twists into the sky, topped by energy-generating windmills and a spire that evokes the Statue of Liberty, new plans revealed Friday.

Saying it will "dramatically reclaim" the Manhattan skyline on the plot where the twin towers once stood, Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined the architects and Gov. George E. Pataki in unveiling the plans for the Freedom Tower. Pataki said the building "will show the world that freedom will always triumph over terror."

The drawings and models show what will be the world's tallest skyscraper, supported by crisscrossing cables meant to resemble another nearby icon: the Brooklyn Bridge. The spire at the top suggests the torch-bearing arm of Lady Liberty lifted high in New York harbor.

The plan was produced after months of contentious negotiations between Daniel Libeskind, who designed the overall five-building site plan, and David Childs, the lead architect for the Freedom Tower.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Libeskind held the new building plan at arm's length.

"We have very different approaches and ideas," he said, calling the revised Freedom Tower "Mr. Childs' building." Still, he said the two were able to compromise on important aspects such as the building's height and the 276-foot spire at its peak.

"At the end we both came up with something that is strong," he said.

The new design eliminates some of the angular shapes in Libeskind's original drawings, replaces Libeskind's visions of gardens atop the office space with windmills, and gives the building more of a twisting shape.

Childs said the tower is "iconic, simple and pure in its form, a memorable form that will reclaim the resilience and the spirit of our democracy."

The plan would create an open area above 70 floors of office space, with observation decks and a reprise of the Windows on the World restaurant that once occupied upper floors of the trade center's 110-story north tower. The windmills would provide 20 percent to 40 percent of the building's energy.

Larry Silverstein, the developer who holds the lease on the trade center property, said he was moved by the design. "It's spectacular; it is also very practical," Silverstein said.

He has promised to build one new skyscraper at the site each year after the expected completion of the Freedom Tower in 2009, finishing the five-building complex in 2013.

Taiwan's Taipei 101 tower, at 1,676 feet, recently supplanted Malaysia's 1,483-foot Petronas Towers as the tallest building in the world. The 110-story World Trade Center towers were 1,350 feet tall.

The cost of the Freedom Tower's construction is estimated at $1.5 billion, said Charles Gargano, vice chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the public agency that owns the site. Insurance on the twin towers is expected to pay much of the cost.

Gargano said the Port Authority, once headquartered at the World Trade Center, would occupy one-third of the building's 2.6 million feet of office space. Pataki has said he will move the governor's Manhattan offices to the tower.

Childs outlined several features that he said would make the Freedom Tower "the safest building in the world," including wider staircases, a separate stairway and elevator for firefighters, "blast-resistant glazing" and more public stairways with direct access to the street.

looks pretty cool, but i think that some of the other designs were better. any thoughts?

Soggybagel · 12-19-2003, 10:23 PM

To be quite honest, I think it looks just bad. The design itself is great and what not but honestly it looks really goofy in that skyline.

Holo · 12-19-2003, 10:38 PM

I still think this is a better design:

Cynthetiq · 12-19-2003, 10:48 PM

IMHO, I'll have a view of this from my bedroom window.... it had better be something that isn't horrible to look at.

I'm glad that I didn't live here during 9/11 I would have seen it all from my bedroom window. I was in Times Square, and I will NEVER FORGET.

aurigus · 12-20-2003, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Soggybagel
To be quite honest, I think it looks just bad. The design itself is great and what not but honestly it looks really goofy in that skyline.

They said the same thing about the Twin Towers and the Eiffel Tower. Both grew into skyline signatures of their cities. The great buildings usually stand out from the norm, thats what makes them great.

I think the design looks cool. Not too crazy like some of the designs but not too plain.

Soggybagel · 12-20-2003, 05:04 PM

Well sure, it grew into the skyline...but seriously. The WTC kind of blended in with the skyline. Granted this was not intented to just kind of hide in the shadows but looking at that mock up final picture no doubt it looks impressive...but it just seems off.

bundy · 12-20-2003, 05:21 PM

from these pictures i think the main tower will be spectacular. a powerful monument to the site.
i think that the windmills are a great idea... showing a willingness to adopt progressive (and abundant at that height) power sources.
i´m not enitrely taken with the other buildings in the plan. to me they seem plain... but on the other hand their regular square shapes are most likely a homage to the original WTC buildings (with the addition of the angled roofs).

like aurigus said, i think these buildings, esp the Tower, will quickly be accepted, loved and lauded as part of that iconic, living Manhattan cityscape everyone knows.

punx1325 · 12-20-2003, 05:50 PM

I like the buildings, but not as the replacement to the towers. We should build higher and stronger to show we are not weak and will not break. Those buildings look similar to some of the buildings in downtown to San Diego. I can see why we don't build higher, but we can't let terrorism win so easily.

KWSN · 12-20-2003, 06:23 PM

well remember folks, if you think it's ugly, these pictures are just renderings. it's not going to look exactly like this.

i personally quite like the design, and i don't think these mark-ups of it do it complete justice. i think it will look beautiful in the end.

World's King · 12-20-2003, 08:50 PM

The cat that designed it also designed the new art musem addition in Denver. He's kind a strange little fucker.

To tell the truth, it doesn't go well with the New York skyline. It stands out to much. I like it when everything flows together. He's getting the same response for the Art Musem in Denver... it's too much for our city.

Bill O'Rights · 12-22-2003, 09:33 AM

I'm gonna go with Soggybagel and The Original King on this one. While the design itself is good...it really looks like hell interspersed in that skyline. It just doesn't..."flow"? I think that's the word that I'm looking for.

enough · 12-22-2003, 10:27 AM

I am in Colorado and nearly everyone I talk too who actually goes to the Denver Art Museum loves the new design. It is a bit freaky, but Denver really needs some weirdness -- it has got to be one of the more sterile cities in the U.S. It's a really nice city that also just happens to be boring. Hopefully the new DAM will help to fix that... just IMHO.

Amethyst · 12-23-2003, 03:47 AM

I would have to agree that I totally don't like the new design. I agree with Holo the design that he posted looks like a better choice to me. But what do I know?

splck · 12-23-2003, 02:07 PM

Can't say I like the design either. I guess I'll have to wait till they're done. I don't get it when people say we have to build them taller to show we are not weak. What does height have to do with weakness?

bermuDa · 12-23-2003, 03:09 PM

I like the design, but i agree that in a city of level roofs, the building with the angled roof stands out a bit too much...

Crazy_Man · 12-23-2003, 07:20 PM

I'd give my left testicule to be apart of the engineers working on it, well I'm not an engineer yet, but would love to be there, would be so awesome on a resume

. I think it looks great, might not fit in well, yet, but it will, just like all things will.

Sfizzio · 12-23-2003, 07:26 PM

On a related note, what does everyone think of the lesser proposed towers with the angular rooves? My guess is that they're placed so that the tower wont be the only asymmetrical thing on the new skyline.

floydthebarber · 12-23-2003, 07:31 PM

By the time they're done, I don't think the buildings will look like these...at least I hope not.

OFKU0 · 12-23-2003, 07:54 PM

I think it is great. Fresh and futuristic. Can't wait for the grand opening ceremonies.

PulpMind · 12-23-2003, 08:37 PM

the one posted farther down is by far the best design hehe
however, I like that design... when they were having the contest a year or two back, that one was my favorite at that time as well... though I think more should be done with it... bridged conneting the towers, and a larger emphasis on the park...

hmm...

locoslomo · 12-24-2003, 06:20 PM

Did they also select the memorial design...seems like the memorial and towers would need to pair well.

dragon2fire · 12-24-2003, 09:33 PM

holo

i agree

much better

OFKU0 · 12-24-2003, 10:28 PM

NEW YORK - The signature skyscraper at the World Trade Center site will be a 1,776-foot glass tower that twists into the sky, topped by energy-generating windmills and a spire that evokes the Statue of Liberty, new plans revealed Friday.

Would it be just a coincidence that the building is 1776 feet tall---Declaration of Independance ring a bell. Maybe not. How about raising your arm in the air with your middle finger standing proud. That might be more like it.

james t kirk · 12-25-2003, 05:35 AM

Am I the only guy who would be nervous working in that building. If i was to be forced to work in that building, I would have it in my contract that my employer is to provide me with a parachute to keep at my desk.

I mean it towers over every other building in NYC and basically is the replacement tower to the WTC. The terrorists are going to be chomping at the bit to down it.

Why not just paint a bullseye on the side or something.

I personally would have thoght that maybe they could have built something MORE on the architectural side and less on the super-tall side that sort of blends into the skyline. But no, they build another even bigger target.

ARTelevision · 12-25-2003, 08:04 AM

I never have opinions about how things look.
Everything I've ever seen looks just about OK, I guess.

CandleInTheDark · 12-25-2003, 10:09 AM

Glass? Good defense.... blind the terroirst and everyone else

papermachesatan · 12-28-2003, 11:31 AM

It's okay. I really don't get the feeling that we're saying "fuck off" to anyone with the design, which should be present, IMO.

etla · 12-28-2003, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by punx1325
I like the buildings, but not as the replacement to the towers. We should build higher and stronger to show we are not weak and will not break. Those buildings look similar to some of the buildings in downtown to San Diego. I can see why we don't build higher, but we can't let terrorism win so easily.

Um, they are higher, by about 400 feet.

12-19-2003, 10:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Holo A Real American	I still think this is a better design: __________________ I happen to like the words "fuck", "cock", "pussy", "tits", "cunt", "twat", "shit" and even "bitch". As long as I am not using them to describe you, don't go telling me whether or not I can/should use them...that is, if you want me to continue refraining from using them to describe you. ~Prince

12-19-2003, 10:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	IMHO, I'll have a view of this from my bedroom window.... it had better be something that isn't horrible to look at. I'm glad that I didn't live here during 9/11 I would have seen it all from my bedroom window. I was in Times Square, and I will NEVER FORGET. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

12-20-2003, 05:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
bundy . Location: Tokyo	from these pictures i think the main tower will be spectacular. a powerful monument to the site. i think that the windmills are a great idea... showing a willingness to adopt progressive (and abundant at that height) power sources. i´m not enitrely taken with the other buildings in the plan. to me they seem plain... but on the other hand their regular square shapes are most likely a homage to the original WTC buildings (with the addition of the angled roofs). like aurigus said, i think these buildings, esp the Tower, will quickly be accepted, loved and lauded as part of that iconic, living Manhattan cityscape everyone knows. __________________ Ohayo!!!

12-20-2003, 05:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
punx1325 Junkie Location: San Diego	I like the buildings, but not as the replacement to the towers. We should build higher and stronger to show we are not weak and will not break. Those buildings look similar to some of the buildings in downtown to San Diego. I can see why we don't build higher, but we can't let terrorism win so easily. __________________ If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is....

12-20-2003, 06:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
KWSN green	well remember folks, if you think it's ugly, these pictures are just renderings. it's not going to look exactly like this. i personally quite like the design, and i don't think these mark-ups of it do it complete justice. i think it will look beautiful in the end. __________________ Your arms are broken!

12-19-2003, 10:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Soggybagel Psycho Location: Lovely City #1	To be quite honest, I think it looks just bad. The design itself is great and what not but honestly it looks really goofy in that skyline.

12-20-2003, 05:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
Soggybagel Psycho Location: Lovely City #1	Well sure, it grew into the skyline...but seriously. The WTC kind of blended in with the skyline. Granted this was not intented to just kind of hide in the shadows but looking at that mock up final picture no doubt it looks impressive...but it just seems off.

12-20-2003, 08:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	The cat that designed it also designed the new art musem addition in Denver. He's kind a strange little fucker. To tell the truth, it doesn't go well with the New York skyline. It stands out to much. I like it when everything flows together. He's getting the same response for the Art Musem in Denver... it's too much for our city. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown Last edited by The Original King; 12-23-2003 at 12:59 PM..

12-22-2003, 09:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	I'm gonna go with Soggybagel and The Original King on this one. While the design itself is good...it really looks like hell interspersed in that skyline. It just doesn't..."flow"? I think that's the word that I'm looking for. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

12-22-2003, 10:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
enough Tilted Location: USA	I am in Colorado and nearly everyone I talk too who actually goes to the Denver Art Museum loves the new design. It is a bit freaky, but Denver really needs some weirdness -- it has got to be one of the more sterile cities in the U.S. It's a really nice city that also just happens to be boring. Hopefully the new DAM will help to fix that... just IMHO.

12-23-2003, 03:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
Amethyst Addict Location: Illinois	I would have to agree that I totally don't like the new design. I agree with Holo the design that he posted looks like a better choice to me. But what do I know?

12-23-2003, 02:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
splck it's jam Location: Lowerainland BC	Can't say I like the design either. I guess I'll have to wait till they're done. I don't get it when people say we have to build them taller to show we are not weak. What does height have to do with weakness? __________________ nice line eh?

12-23-2003, 03:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
bermuDa don't ignore this--> Location: CA	I like the design, but i agree that in a city of level roofs, the building with the angled roof stands out a bit too much... __________________ I am the very model of a moderator gentleman.

12-23-2003, 07:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
Crazy_Man Crazy Location: Montreal, QC	I'd give my left testicule to be apart of the engineers working on it, well I'm not an engineer yet, but would love to be there, would be so awesome on a resume . I think it looks great, might not fit in well, yet, but it will, just like all things will. __________________ b00bies ( . )( . )

12-23-2003, 07:26 PM	#17 (permalink)
Sfizzio Crazy Location: Philadelphia, PA	On a related note, what does everyone think of the lesser proposed towers with the angular rooves? My guess is that they're placed so that the tower wont be the only asymmetrical thing on the new skyline. __________________ Coroner: My only question, is how did she come to have sex with the dead guy? Dante: She thought it was me. Coroner: What kind of convenience store do you run here?

12-23-2003, 07:31 PM	#18 (permalink)
floydthebarber Insane Location: ?	By the time they're done, I don't think the buildings will look like these...at least I hope not. __________________ wish you were here

12-23-2003, 07:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	I think it is great. Fresh and futuristic. Can't wait for the grand opening ceremonies. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

12-23-2003, 08:37 PM	#20 (permalink)
PulpMind Addict Location: Portland	the one posted farther down is by far the best design hehe however, I like that design... when they were having the contest a year or two back, that one was my favorite at that time as well... though I think more should be done with it... bridged conneting the towers, and a larger emphasis on the park... hmm...

12-24-2003, 06:20 PM	#21 (permalink)
locoslomo Upright	Did they also select the memorial design...seems like the memorial and towers would need to pair well.

12-24-2003, 09:33 PM	#22 (permalink)
dragon2fire Junkie	holo i agree much better

12-24-2003, 10:28 PM	#23 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	NEW YORK - The signature skyscraper at the World Trade Center site will be a 1,776-foot glass tower that twists into the sky, topped by energy-generating windmills and a spire that evokes the Statue of Liberty, new plans revealed Friday. Would it be just a coincidence that the building is 1776 feet tall---Declaration of Independance ring a bell. Maybe not. How about raising your arm in the air with your middle finger standing proud. That might be more like it. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

12-25-2003, 05:35 AM	#24 (permalink)
james t kirk Junkie Location: Toronto	Am I the only guy who would be nervous working in that building. If i was to be forced to work in that building, I would have it in my contract that my employer is to provide me with a parachute to keep at my desk. I mean it towers over every other building in NYC and basically is the replacement tower to the WTC. The terrorists are going to be chomping at the bit to down it. Why not just paint a bullseye on the side or something. I personally would have thoght that maybe they could have built something MORE on the architectural side and less on the super-tall side that sort of blends into the skyline. But no, they build another even bigger target.

12-25-2003, 08:04 AM	#25 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	I never have opinions about how things look. Everything I've ever seen looks just about OK, I guess. __________________ create evolution

12-25-2003, 10:09 AM	#26 (permalink)
CandleInTheDark Addict Location: Where the music's loudest	Glass? Good defense.... blind the terroirst and everyone else __________________ Where there is doubt there is freedom.

12-28-2003, 11:31 AM	#27 (permalink)
papermachesatan Psycho Location: Texas	It's okay. I really don't get the feeling that we're saying "fuck off" to anyone with the design, which should be present, IMO.