THE’Oculus of New York, designed by star architect Santiago Calatrava, is one of the symbols of the city’s rebirth after theSeptember 11th. Also known as World Trade Center Stationthis architectural work is a true monument to memory. Its steel and glass silhouette represents in fact one dove about to take flightor, a message of peace and hope nestled in the heart of Ground Zero. With a total investment of approximately 4 billion dollarsthe Oculus went down in records as one of the most expensive train stations in all of history.
The World Trade Center station: the characteristics
From an engineering point of view, the structure is composed of two high arches 50 metersfrom which metal ribs branch off and frame a long skylight 100 meters. For the conception of the work, Calatrava was inspired by three great icons: al Pantheon of Rome for the zenithal light, at Gallery Victor Emmanuel II of Milan for covered public space and others Grand Central Terminal for monumentality.
And here is an incredible detail: in the original 2004 concept the “wings” were supposed to open mechanically with a hydraulic system. The idea proved to be an unrealizable engineering challenge and for this reason the skylight was designed. This was built to be able to be opened every time September 11th come on 8:46 at 10:28 — the time the disaster occurred — allowing the sun to pass through the crack in the roof and illuminate the floormade of Italian white marble.
And this is actually not the only link between the work and Italy. In fact, the entire steel structure is Italian: was made in Pordenone and then shipped to New York to be assembled directly on site. Finally, inside the station there is a square ellipticalwithout even a column, which allows natural light to filter down to the tracks.
History of the project and criticisms
Calatrava’s idea was to create a structure that conveyed a profound sense of hope. For this reason, inspired by the sketch of a child freeing a dove, he created shapes that recalled the wings of a bird in flight, a symbol of rebirth.
However, the work attracted numerous criticisms. In addition to the long delays in delivery and al budget doubled compared to initial estimates, the aesthetics were judged by some critics to be too heavy compared to the initial idea of lightness. They weren’t even missing technical and practical findingssuch as the reduced width of some stairs during rush hour and the dangerous slipperiness of the white marble in case of rain or snow.
Despite the controversies, today they pass through here more than a million people a weekincluding 12 subway lines and PATH trains that connect Manhattan to New Jersey.
