The topic of the World Trade Center stirs up an array of emotions for citizens of New York City, as well as many more Americans all across the country. It will never be thought of again without the added association of tragic events that took place on 9/11, but the new, rebuilt version of the complex, will hopefully provide some closure.

The new World Trade Center complex will be comprised of five new skyscrapers, a national September 11 Memorial & Museum, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, 550,000 square feet of retail space, and a Performing Arts Center. Although each component of this project is integral, the most remarkable addition of the development will be the One World Trade Center (1 WTC), formally referred to as the Freedom Tower. This tower is both an architectural engineering feat, as well as a symbol of renewal and strength.

            The sheer size of the tower makes a bold statement, standing at a staggering 1,776ft and encompassing 105 floors; a height that reserves its’ place as America’s tallest building, surpassing the Willis Tower in Chicago. In order to support the height of this building, and provide extra stability within the structure, it has been built with massive steel columns, which surround 3ft thick concrete walls around the elevators, stairwells, as well as the safety and communications systems. Also, in addition to implementing this unorthodox structure, the architects of the One World trade Center have incorporated a 45m high blast wall at the base around the lobby, and extra safety features for evacuation, such as extra wide stair cases. These added precautionary details will hopefully provide an enhanced sense of safety for those who work within the building.

Another noteworthy aspect about the One World Trade Center is its devotion to ‘going green’. It is said to receive a Gold LEED rating, and exceed the energy efficient consumption requirements by 20%. The environmentally friendly benefits of 1 WTC are largely attributed to the inclusion of 3 fuel cells, which will produce green energy, as well as re-use their expended heat energy for other functions. Another green feature of the building is water reclamation for cooling and irrigation purposes; the One World Trade Center will incorporate rain collection vessels. Throughout the construction of the project, recycled materials will be used also.

The monumental size of the One World Trade Center, in combination with its added environmental and safety features cost over $3 billion; however, this is a price tag well worth it when considering the benefits that will result from it. When the One World Trade Center is complete, and open to the public, it is sure to be recognized as an engineering marvel in addition to a symbol for the people of the United States.

Works Cited

Brian. One World Trade Center (double View). 2012. New York City. Another Part of Me. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

Matson, John. “Shaping Up: 10 Engineering and Design Facts about One World Trade Center [Infographic].” Scientific American Global RSS. Scientific American, Inc., 11 Sept. 2012. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.

Silverstein Properties. WTC Site NIght. 2013. New York City. NY Daily News. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.

Sullivan, Robert. “A Look at the New One World Trade Center.” Architectural Digest. Condé Nast, n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

The Unfinished 1 World Trade Center. 2012. Leaving New Tork Harbor, New York City. Counterlight’s Peculiars. Web. 21 Mar. 2014.

Walsh, David. “The Rise of One World Trade Center.” ASME.org. ASME Intl., June 2011. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.