Just earlier this month, the new transportation hub opened at the World Trade Center site in New York called The Oculus. Designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava in 2004, the new structure in Lower Manhattan replaces the previous hub destroyed on September 11, 2001. Hosting an average of 250,000 daily passengers, this open and airy structure boasts an elliptical shape with exterior wings providing shade to the north and south parts of the outdoor plaza. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, The Oculus was designed to represent a little bird flying out of a child’s hands.
Between the wings is a glass skylight where commuters traveling through the structure 60 feet below, can look up and see the Freedom Tower soaring above them. Also allowing for a flood of natural light into the transportation hub, the skylights can be opened on temperate weather days, as well as annually on September 11th.
There are many access points into the hub for commuters, however I suggest for the tourist or curious visitor, to enter from Lincoln Street, just across from Burger King, descend 2 flights of stairs, and step into the large atrium with a sense of awe. Eventually the halls, upper and lower concourses will feature various retail establishments as well.
<a href=”http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14803939/?claim=jt5ztqyyef8″>Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>
