18 Dec 2002 | Urbanchords said...

Wasn't the Trade Center originally a statement for architecture's sake? It was the tallest building in the world for decades. This is also New York. The place where trends are set and everything "cool" comes from. Should there not be something interesting at the site. Something that draws people there? Or should there just be something that blends in to its existing surroundings? A great tradegy took place there. Should something as high profile of that site not have a high profile piece of architecture there?

Also look at the names of some of the architects that entered this round of entries. They are the big dogs of the architecture community. I am surprise that Gehry was not asked. Or the newest architecture centerfold, Tado Ando .

If one of the latest entries is chosen or not, it did serve one purpose. We are talking about architecture. Is this not the purpose of art/architecture?

18 Dec 2002 | JF said...

"These are designs not only for our time, but for all time,'' John Whitehead, chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corp., said as the new plans were unveiled Wednesday. "They must transcend the present, to speak to our children and to their children ... to send an immortal message.''

I love it when people say things need to send a message, yet they don't tell you what that message is. What's the message? That we can rebuild buildings with strange shapes?

18 Dec 2002 | ek said...

That may be the purpose of architecture, but it shouldn't be the purpose of this exercise.

And I'm not blaming the architects, they're just doing what they do, which is to design buildings. And blame really isn't even the right word because I know that this is an insanely difficult task. I just hope that enough people voice their opinions and get the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to take a step back and look at this as something more than just filling in some empty space.

18 Dec 2002 | ek said...

A great tradegy took place there. Should something as high profile of that site not have a high profile piece of architecture there?

Just wanted to respond to this. I don't think that a "high profile" event/place need be memorialized with a large, "look at me" piece of architecture. Look at the Vietnam Memorial designed by Maya Lin. It is very, very low key, but also very powerful. What I think is so effective about it is that it was not designed for the politicians or the bigwigs financing it, but for the common person. Also, at the time she designed the memorial, Maya Lin was a completely unknown student at the Yale School of Architecture, which goes to show that you don't need some internationally renowned architect to design something highly impactful.

I know that the situation in NYC is very different in that it's a much larger space that needs to generate revenue as well as memorialize 9/11, but I think that we can do better than just another oddly shaped building.

18 Dec 2002 | shecky said...

I would build a giant, magnificent clock tower in the center of a nice square of grass. No office building, no parking deck. Just a clock tower.

18 Dec 2002 | Steve said...

One small nitpick: The WTC was the tallest building in the world for about four or five years. Then the Sears Tower opened.

Anyway, there are a few designs here I do find interesting from a purely architectural standpoint, and a few that try too hard to be distinctive. I think the pressure to make the buildings themselves some sort of memorial is leading to some overreaching, as well as making this whole process more complex than it needs to be.

Should there be a memorial to the 3000 people who died there? Yes. Does the whole site, and every element of it, need to be part of that memorial? My thought is no. As for the decision whether to build tall buildings there, and what they should look like, let that decision be made on the same merits and using the same criteria as would be used for building any other large office structure(s) in lower Manhattan. At the ground level is where the memorial is appropriate, something that respects the memory of people who died there and those who sacrificed themselves in trying to help rescue others. Don't turn it into a big pelvic thrust in the direction of Al Qaeda. That answers vindictiveness, not a memorial and rememberance of the dead.

18 Dec 2002 | look closer said...

libeskind's vision is amazing... organic lines rising defiantly from the destruction. but read his comments at www.daniel-libeskind.com to discover other gems like lowering the plaza down to the core bedrock, a "wedge of light" feature, museum, and more. true brilliance.

19 Dec 2002 | urbanchords said...

ek: Do I think that something grand should take place there, no. There should be something great though. If you really want to a great memorial, go to Oklahoma City and see the Murrah bombing memorial . I believe that it is one of the better memorials across the country. To be honest with you, I really don't like most of the ideas, Libeskind is my choice of those entered this round.

Trying to save lower manhattan with a city block is never going to work. You have to change the way the entire neighborhood works and lives. A great monument might work. It might draw in tourist that might spon new businesses and resturants to start up in the area. Which might get people to live and work in the area. The problem is that tourist want chain stores and something familar, like McDonalds. Not the places where entrepreneurs can start new business and places the locals can take pride in.

The main problem is that there are so many people that want so many things for the site. People that want a memorial for the loss of the WTC and the many people that losed their lives there. You want developers who lost millions of square feet of rentable area, and want it back. You want elected officials that want a grand statement and to give you another reason to visit NYC. You want local government that wants to restore the tax base in the area. You have the residents, who just want things back to normal. They are never going to make everyone happy.

19 Dec 2002 | Benjy said...

Actually, the WTC was the tallest for only about a year. They opened in 1973, and the Sears Tower in 1974.

My view on the designs is that they all try too hard to blow one away with their design (tic-tac-toe boards and double helixes?), but that shouldn't be the focus of this project. The focus should be to remember and honor the past while also showing that we must move forward. Thus, I don't think it's the time to push the envelope on the design at the expense of remembering those who lost their lives. I think they should build something big and powerful, but graceful and elegant in its simplicity

19 Dec 2002 | alisha said...

They all seem to be in the same direction except for PLAs, which seems very art deco. They all look like Picasos to me. I expected to have more idividual flavors, but I guess the briefing was very tight. (how much do you think theyre getting for thier presentations?) Id say Libeskind's is the closest to the real thing for me. I like the art deco one but I think its not unique enough.

19 Dec 2002 | JF said...

Slideshow of the Libeskind proposal.

20 Dec 2002 | mini-d said...

What about to make a park like Central Park? u know, trees, flowers, water... more ecological, more clean than a 400 meters building.

21 Dec 2002 | Jo Decaesteker said...

I am an architect myself, but before all, I am a human being who thinks that mankind should be modest.

Of course, the concept of the archetypical 'tower' is (also) an architectural adventure in designing and constructing the economic idea of saving space because of the outrageous cost, but where are the ethics and the self-restraint ?

What I mean is this: architecture can't renew itself if architects aren't allowed to go way beyond reality in their designs on paper, but we all (society) should guard ourselves/eachother to prevent yet another Babel...

Ambition is necessary, but when it turns into pride or arrogant pretence I turn my back and walk away.

I just fear that 'nine-eleven' fed an overall feeling of some sort of revengeful will that wants to fight back, by letting rise ground zero like a phoenix out of its ashes.

In contexts like thes, I'll always think of the Titanic: the largest ship on earth (at that time). They thought it couldn't sink... But as we all know...it DID.

Jo Decaesteker, an architect from Europe.

25 Dec 2002 | RAYMOND CHAI said...

I have great vision for the WTC site. My vision is the GATEWAY LANTERN concept. You can view all my detail design and sketch concept at WWW.CHAI.TV and will give you some significant world memorial square concept.

Below, are the details of my vision.

CHAI VISION

CHAI vision of the World Trade Centre Lower Manhattan was inspired
from his original oil painting of a "giant lantern" floating in the sky.
This idea was further developed into a 200 to 300+ storey
height (1120 metres or 3673 feet) Twin Towers, if technology and budget allowed,
a distinctive contemporary city skyline that dominates the whole Manhattan city
skyline landscape.

It will be recognised in
the world as the most famous and tallest, minimalist, sculptural
and monumental
landmark, The Lantern , the landmark towers with spiritual
nature of ceremonial light which represents a living symbol
of humanity from man-kind that dedicated to world peace.

It represents the city of light, light of hope, light of future growth and
a memorial sacred light
that enlighten togetherness, love, harmony, strength, power, success and stability.
The Lantern represents a powerful spiritual light that dispels all the evil
spirit on earth.

THE LANTERN

The goldern white lantern interlocking between the jointed towers is a fully
enclosed and climatically controlled open air space with millions of
starry lights floating in the air
which becomes the tallest lantern in the world.

The elevated Lantern becomes an extension of an open outdoor living and working
space in the sky. It provides a compelling experience of virtual
cyber outdoor living
spaces with trees landscaped bridges, balconies and break-up meeting areas
between the office towers and also provides staff interactions between
different departments.


This floating "air-space" provides a catalyst
and innovative idea in
new experience of working environment with energy efficient siting and planning
of interior architecture within the towers which accomodate
passive solar energy efficient system. This concept allows new innovation and
exploration of electronic cyber
air space and volume which explored the "heaven dream alike" of the
three dimensional space of futuristic interior architecture of
the new millenium.

The Lantern also provide cabled bracing structure
capable for the
high wind loading between the towers. The Lantern Towers will improve and
enjoy enormous all-round window views to the city.

CONCEPT PLAN

The concept of the ground level twin towers is a 25 to 50+ storey height transparent
"open gateway"
towers that celebrate and reinforce the entry of the Lower Manhattan
city from the main Hudson River waterfront setting fronting
with ceremonial square and memorial precincts of the Lower Manhattan city harbour.

The new concept masterplan designed by CHAI.TV has been re-configured
in planing, building scale, form and height
after studying the six concept plans developed by the Lower Manhattan
Development Corporation
(LMDC). The concept of the Memorial Square is designed with an
orginised and coeherent flow
of sequence of "interlocking and inter-connecting" urban space of streets
and square indicated in the site plan, which can be incorporated with the principle goals and
objectives set down by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC).

WORLD MEMORIAL SQUARE

The World Memorial Square is the world's biggest living memorial
place on earth. The dynamic, contemporary urban square is defined by the mixture of
irregularly controlled stepped (set-back) low rise (3 to 5 storey) and
medium rise (6 to12 storey) buildings as a backdrop. The end of the
square is terminated with a major focal point of the twin towers which
represents a gateway entry to Lower Manhattan city. The gateway
provides a strong visual
connection to other open space which leads to the Transit Centre.
Soft landscape with trees and greeneries will give a new life to the city growth.

The heart, diversity and vibrancy nature of the World Memorial Square
consists of spiritual, memorial place and cultural ceremonial place,
mixture of medium and high rise commercial towers, on ground strip
retail precints and underground shopping centre, residential towers
and townhouses, cultural centres such as opera house and theatre halls
and recreation facilities. All these mix use development will bring
back a city living place with a sense of lifestyle and community living,
a place for national gatherings, celebrations and aspirations.

WORLD MEMORIAL FOOTPRINTS

The World Memorial Footprints become a burial ground and a historical
site. The site will be retained and preserved with the footprints of
the destroyed Twin Towers which is installed with an indoor transparent
12-storey ceiling height contemporary memorial space, reminiscence of
a cathedral church with high volume of ceiling space.
Similarly, the floating, transparent crystal-coloured glass roof will define the
original shape of
the tower's footprints which can be clearly seen from a distance
on the ground level.
The glass roofs can be light-up at night with a crystal diamond effect.

The pond and water landscape around the footprints are incorporated with the
falling water from the top of the gaint blade walls along the grand
promenade of the tower footprints to give youthful energy.
The red colour is choosen in the series of the supporting columns.
It is in the Chinese belief that red colour will keep away and destroy
bad spirits and evil.

WORLD MEMORIAL RING

The World Memorial Ring consists of an abstract metal sculpture of
"alive" assemblages. The 7 metre (23 feet) height monumental
sculpture is constructed with fragments of the burnt and twisted
steel materials emerged from the destroyed Twin Towers.

This living memorial sculpture symbolises human spirits which gives a new
life and meaning, a living symbol of survival, new hope and world peace.
It is the place to pay respects to the lost souls of the innocent
victims of the WTC.

27 Dec 2002 | RAYMOND CHAI said...

I have a great vision for the WTC design ie the GATEWAY LANTERN concept. You can visit WWW.CHAI.TV for more details of my design sketches. Enjoy.

CHAI VISION

CHAI vision of the World Trade Centre Lower Manhattan was inspired
from his original oil painting of a "giant lantern" floating in the sky.
This idea was further developed into a 200 to 300+ storey
height (1120 metres or 3673 feet) Twin Towers, if technology and budget allowed,
a distinctive contemporary city skyline that dominates the whole Manhattan city
skyline landscape.

It will be recognised in
the world as the most famous and tallest, minimalist, sculptural
and monumental
landmark, The Lantern , the landmark towers with spiritual
nature of ceremonial light which represents a living symbol
of humanity from man-kind that dedicated to world peace.

It represents the city of light, light of hope, light of future growth and
a memorial sacred light
that enlighten togetherness, love, harmony, strength, power, success and stability.
The Lantern represents a powerful spiritual light that dispels all the evil
spirit on earth.

THE LANTERN

The goldern white lantern interlocking between the jointed towers is a fully
enclosed and climatically controlled open air space with millions of
starry lights floating in the air
which becomes the tallest lantern in the world.

The elevated Lantern becomes an extension of an open outdoor living and working
space in the sky. It provides a compelling experience of virtual
cyber outdoor living
spaces with trees landscaped bridges, balconies and break-up meeting areas
between the office towers and also provides staff interactions between
different departments.


This floating "air-space" provides a catalyst
and innovative idea in
new experience of working environment with energy efficient siting and planning
of interior architecture within the towers which accomodate
passive solar energy efficient system. This concept allows new innovation and
exploration of electronic cyber
air space and volume which explored the "heaven dream alike" of the
three dimensional space of futuristic interior architecture of
the new millenium.

The Lantern also provide cabled bracing structure
capable for the
high wind loading between the towers. The Lantern Towers will improve and
enjoy enormous all-round window views to the city.

CONCEPT PLAN

The concept of the ground level twin towers is a 25 to 50+ storey height transparent
"open gateway"
towers that celebrate and reinforce the entry of the Lower Manhattan
city from the main Hudson River waterfront setting fronting
with ceremonial square and memorial precincts of the Lower Manhattan city harbour.

The new concept masterplan designed by CHAI.TV has been re-configured
in planing, building scale, form and height
after studying the six concept plans developed by the Lower Manhattan
Development Corporation
(LMDC). The concept of the Memorial Square is designed with an
orginised and coeherent flow
of sequence of "interlocking and inter-connecting" urban space of streets
and square indicated in the site plan, which can be incorporated with the principle goals and
objectives set down by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC).

WORLD MEMORIAL SQUARE

The World Memorial Square is the world's biggest living memorial
place on earth. The dynamic, contemporary urban square is defined by the mixture of
irregularly controlled stepped (set-back) low rise (3 to 5 storey) and
medium rise (6 to12 storey) buildings as a backdrop. The end of the
square is terminated with a major focal point of the twin towers which
represents a gateway entry to Lower Manhattan city. The gateway
provides a strong visual
connection to other open space which leads to the Transit Centre.
Soft landscape with trees and greeneries will give a new life to the city growth.

The heart, diversity and vibrancy nature of the World Memorial Square
consists of spiritual, memorial place and cultural ceremonial place,
mixture of medium and high rise commercial towers, on ground strip
retail precints and underground shopping centre, residential towers
and townhouses, cultural centres such as opera house and theatre halls
and recreation facilities. All these mix use development will bring
back a city living place with a sense of lifestyle and community living,
a place for national gatherings, celebrations and aspirations.

WORLD MEMORIAL FOOTPRINTS

The World Memorial Footprints become a burial ground and a historical
site. The site will be retained and preserved with the footprints of
the destroyed Twin Towers which is installed with an indoor transparent
12-storey ceiling height contemporary memorial space, reminiscence of
a cathedral church with high volume of ceiling space.
Similarly, the floating, transparent crystal-coloured glass roof will define the
original shape of
the tower's footprints which can be clearly seen from a distance
on the ground level.
The glass roofs can be light-up at night with a crystal diamond effect.

The pond and water landscape around the footprints are incorporated with the
falling water from the top of the gaint blade walls along the grand
promenade of the tower footprints to give youthful energy.
The red colour is choosen in the series of the supporting columns.
It is in the Chinese belief that red colour will keep away and destroy
bad spirits and evil.

WORLD MEMORIAL RING

The World Memorial Ring consists of an abstract metal sculpture of
"alive" assemblages. The 7 metre (23 feet) height monumental
sculpture is constructed with fragments of the burnt and twisted
steel materials emerged from the destroyed Twin Towers.

This living memorial sculpture symbolises human spirits which gives a new
life and meaning, a living symbol of survival, new hope and world peace.
It is the place to pay respects to the lost souls of the innocent
victims of the WTC.

20 Sep 2003 | Raghu said...

I wrote the bulk of this on 9/11, but didn't know what to do with it so just took it down to the site and read it aload there. I agree with you about lack of imagination. I hope you find this more stirring.

Raghu

Promenade For Heaven

World Trade Center Promenade
John (Raghu) Giuffre ([email protected])

How bout a promenade to the heavens as a tribute to the deceased? Pass monuments have already used walls, names, flowers, sculptors and sky scrapers. I wanted to pay homage, but how and with what? I wanted to offer something of the city they so loved.

The Design
It all came together as I walked from Chambers St. on this morning of 9/11 to pay respects with the other New Yorkers at the site. I suddenly noticed that we have nearly 3 blocks of open space between Chambers and where the first of 5 sky scrapers are to stand according to official designs for the mall. The first will be the shortest at about 30 stories with each successive building lined in half circle becoming progressively taller as they wine around the out side of the block. It leaves the center open as a sort of modern coliseum.
How about a promenade starting from Chambers Street that runs to the first building, I thought? Then it hit me. How bout a promenade to the top of the first building? Now thats pretty cool. Reaching just half way up the building would still be an incredible experience.
This would give us 3 blocks of ramp span to make the climb from Chambers St. to the mid section or roof of the first building. This is 5 to 10 stories of climb per block. A ramp and escalators would run though the middle to take pilgrims to each successively higher plateau of the promenade. It starts with parks and gardens at the ground level and gradually leads into museums, small theaters of cultural presentations and boutiques, restaurants of global cuisine and stores uniquely NY. Stairs run along side, each marked with the name of one hero. We would use the space over the West Side Highway much as the official plan now does. Hmmm. I think we maybe on to something.
Thereafter, the 5 buildings would connect via retractable walk ways or draw bridges in a powerful metaphor of unity in diversity. The diehards would walk its full length right to the very top of the last building in sacred gesture of meeting our heroes off to heaven. The buildings would look like large crosses with angled arms that touch the clouds. Each building reaching out to the other as if to shake hands. The bridges would retract in bad whether.
Impossible!? For sure. Then again, welcome to the American spirit, New York City and modern marvels. Maybe best of all, it only adds to what ever designs are already in place. And, a whole lot more commercial real estate space.

The Tribute
Promenade For Heaven would take the Great Wall of China, the Coliseum of Rome, the pilgrimage of Mecca and the grandeur of the Taj Mahal and combine it into one magnificent sanctuary. Oh yeah, it would also be the worlds longest mall. The final touch, we put this master piece in the sky and offer it up with the best of the worlds fairs and goods. Its Americas road to heaven and wall (mall) in the sky dedicated to the festivities of diversity. What could be a more fitting tribute, uniquely New York and an awe inspiring 21st century trademark? And great business.
Will it ever come to pass? Maybe, but its real measure is that it already stands as one more example to the inspiration our fallen heroes leave for us to build upon towards a new world that touches our dreams, transports us to the past to bring us our future and gives us a unity we have only now come to find in honoring their journey to heavens gate. John (Raghu) Giuffre ([email protected]) (808) 277-1120