NEW YORK | One World Trade Center | 1,776' Pinnacle / 1,373' Roof | 108 FLOORS

[Totojuice]

if nyc ever builds a tower similar to the chicago spire, they should follow the design of 1 wtc's spire. If it doesn't show up on top of this tower, it might as well be its own.

hudson yards!!!

[Totojuice]

Fuck Douglas Durst.

I wrote a letter to Governor Cuomo today. Let's see if active citizenship works.

[KevinFromTexas]

For me, I am just sad that the loss of the Spire's tapered shape has removed the very powerful symbolism it would have had at night:

The whole tower as a lone candle, lit and standing vigil for all that was lost. No amount of fancy rainbow-coloured LED's could evoke the gravitas of what 1WTC truly stands for.

http://i.imgur.com/6k4Iq.jpg

Interesting. I hadn't thought of it that way. And a solid white spire would have a certain solid element to it while at the same time being something soft and solemn.

[TechTalkGuy]

:previous: Just a thought, they could always add a much taller spire atop 4 WTC (that might look better than the one atop 4 Times Square (Conde Nast)).

[Enigmatism415]

Looks like more spandrels are in, second from highest tier on what appears to be the western half (I can only confirm the north-western quadrant visually at the moment).

[Davidsam52]

lofl.

Second pic didn't make it. Who (what ) are you compaing him to?

UPDATE I saw the first post...that is FUNNY!

[Arawooho]

Taken from my Friend Danny Bracy from across the river in Jersey.
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/313541_497431343616659_1598963008_n.jpg

[UTEPman]

With some ingenuity this spire design could have been essentially the building design, a building rearing far into the sky as a torch.

Absent that, the spire would have helped somewhat to uplift the mediocre building underneath it. Now we are not even getting the spire, but a bland generic office tower with a run-of-the-mill toothpick stuck on top at the most important architectural site in the country.

Well done, US of A! If you want to know why the American Century is a thing of the past, consider this state of affairs along with many, many other reasons.

It's a sad country we live in these days.

This could have been a bright spot in the great recession, but unfortunately they've let it dwindle down to a run of the mil office tower.

Wish I had the money/power to make these buildings happen. Things would be quite different.... :rolleyes:

[Traynor]

With all my respect for the 22,000 real victims of the Katyn Massacre, I think that monument also depicts how New Yorkers and indeed the free World, feel after Durst got a hold of the site...

Stabbed in the back.

[Jonboy1983]

lofl.

I still say that son of a bitch should be permanently removed from anything pertaining to highrise design.

He's damned lucky Childs didn't (isn't going to) sue over that.

[Patrick]

Some pictures from my trip to New England a few weeks ago...

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0402-2.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0420-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0425-2.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0505-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0507-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0508-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0543-2.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0544-2.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0547-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0577-1.jpg

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g266/pag293/DSC_0579-2.jpg

[deepen915]

well here it is....not much more :shrug:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7749111172_0ae7c6896d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7749111172/)
DSC_0003[1] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7749111172/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

oh.. damn. thx anyway. haha btw, where did you take this from?

[deepen915]

" For example, the tower’s base will be covered in 13-foot vertical glass fins, not prismatic glass, and the mast atop the roof will be exposed, not sheathed in fiberglass panels."

"Douglas Durst has said the changes were not made in a money-saving effort."

yeah, my a**.. that screams out "money-saving.".. Durst is a POS scumbag. I know we've all known this, but I just got more pissed off after reading this.

http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/08/07/new-renderings-of-1-wtc-revealed/

[NYC GUY]

I still think you could add the radome even when the towers completed cause its the same plan just with no covering.

[NYguy]

Please don't correct everything I write. But allow me to correct you:

The Liberty Torch reference was for the previous design of the tower with the offset spire, when Libeskind and Childs collaborated. Not Childs' final design.
Most people still make that mistake.

NO, the spire was always maintained to be a reference to Liberty's upraised torch - that's why it was always been designed as a sculptural element, and not just a pole placed on top.
You're welcome.



http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-06-29-freedom-tower_x.htm

http://images.usatoday.com/news/_photos/2006/06/29/freedom-tower-1.jpg

The latest design of the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower in New York. Designed to evoke the Statue of Liberty's torch, the spire that tops the tower will feature
a revolving beacon that could change color and cast beams of light into the sky, while thousands of glass prisms will cover the building's 20-story, windowless base.



http://www.cqservices.com/local_news/Default.asp?StoryID=28132

The latest design of the skyscraper being built to replace the World Trade Center covers its 20-story concrete base with thousands of glass prisms
and tops it with a lighted spire meant to resemble the Statue of Liberty's torch, the lead architect said Wednesday.




When all is said and done, once you realize that the antenna is not meant to be a part of the tower's design, the renderings are actually pretty nice.


http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296629/original.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296630/original.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296631/original.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296633/original.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296634/original.jpg



http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296636/original.jpg_http://www.pbase.com/nyguy/image/145296635/original.jpg

[STR]

" For example, the tower’s base will be covered in 13-foot vertical glass fins, not prismatic glass, and the mast atop the roof will be exposed, not sheathed in fiberglass panels."

"Douglas Durst has said the changes were not made in a money-saving effort."

yeah, my a**.. that screams out "money-saving.".. Durst is a POS scumbag. I know we've all known this, but I just got more pissed off after reading this.

http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/08/07/new-renderings-of-1-wtc-revealed/

Well, the base wasn't a financial change. The Chinese contractor couldn't make the prismatic glass to-spec with enough strength to avoid being a hazard to the public in case of a truck bomb.

[CarlosV]

oh.. damn. thx anyway. haha btw, where did you take this from?

taken from my penthouse...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7750557612_b5c9457e18_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7750557612/)
DSC_0002 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7750557612/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[Silverfox]

How difficult would it be to clad the spire someday in the future, with the cranes already taken down and everything? I'd imagine the cranes would be rather difficult and expensive to re-assemble after the building is complete and they're already removed. Wouldn't it involve removing a strip of cladding off the side again just to bring the large parts up?

[Davidsam52]

Well, the base wasn't a financial change. The Chinese contractor couldn't make the prismatic glass to-spec with enough strength to avoid being a hazard to the public in case of a truck bomb.

Check:tup:

[Davidsam52]

From the looks of Carlos' pic, I'd say we're very close to where the louvers begin on the cladding, based upon the renders.:cheers:

[Totojuice]

taken from my penthouse...

Damn. When can I come over? :D

[Zapatan]

This tower looks ok, I'm excited to see it finished, but in all honesty, it's just not that impressive, the spire really made everything. I think (if all are built) one day the 4 will look good together for sure.


I like this complex I just can't help but think that the twin towers themselves were more impressive, and they existed over a decade ago and were built 40 years ago, shouldn't we move foward?

[YankeesfaninUT]

With some ingenuity this spire design could have been essentially the building design, a building rearing far into the sky as a torch.

Absent that, the spire would have helped somewhat to uplift the mediocre building underneath it. Now we are not even getting the spire, but a bland generic office tower with a run-of-the-mill toothpick stuck on top at the most important architectural site in the country.




http://www.worldrecordsacademy.org/events/img/Chicago-Spire.jpg

http://www.crengle.com/images/images_big/freedom_tower_image1.jpg
So why do you think this is a mediocre, run of the mill office tower?
Why dont you drive around the city and look at it from different angles. At every angle it looks different. One view even look like it is leaning. This tower is magnificent. And I too loved the original spire. But they aren't going to take any chances on having to repair the radome because part of the repair process is against city rigging codes. The more I look at the new spire, the more I like it. This will be a grand building and complex when it is finished.

[mat97]

taken from my penthouse...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7750557612_b5c9457e18_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7750557612/)
DSC_0002 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7750557612/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

New steel for the 105th floor!!:banana:

[JMGarcia]

The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is appointed by the governors of NY (Cuomo) and NJ (Christie) and answerable to them. Cuomo has never taken a particular interest in the WTC site and Christie is, of course, more interested in the PA spending money in NJ than NY.

The current thinking at the PA is that they should not be involved in real estate so much but should focus their resources on what they were originally created to do, namely transportation infrastructure e.g. ports, airports, interstate rail etc.

With this in mind the PA signed a contract with Durst to do the WTC development. The important clause in the contract is Durst's fee is directly tied to how much money he can save on the construction. In other words, if Durst can do it cheaper then he gets paid more. Of course, the PA needs to approve any cost saving measures so there's more than enough blame to go around.

IMO, this is just not the site to have that kind of contract in place. It is at best less than patriotic and at worst downright scandolous. It certainly isn't the best solution to keep the architectural integrity of the project.

I hold out a small hope that Childs can pull a rabbit out of his hat on this. He is quite politically astute and knows it is best to work behind the scenes and out of the public eye on this.

The best anyone in the public can do is write the parties involved letting them know you know what's really going on and your opinion of it.

Contact List:

Coumo:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php

Christie:
http://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/

The PA:
http://www.panynj.gov/contact/contact-us.html

SOM - David Childs:
http://www.som.com/content.cfm/contact_details?office=NYC

Durst:
info@durst.org
http://www.durst.org/contact/?category=gen

[NYC GUY]

You can see them lifting something on the earth cam.

[TheCitySkyline72]

@NYGUY I'm sorry but youre wrong, I noticed that too and Traynor is right, the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty's torch was part of the old design when the spire was designed to be offset from the center, representing her arm raising it up to te sky.

[rack776]

I have a really dumb question about the spire - I have to vent after seeing those new renderings-

If the whole reason the radome was canceled is because of concerns that it would be too difficult to repair in the future if it was damaged. Right?

Then why the heck dont they make the panels out of Carbon Fiber instead of Fiberglass its a heck of alot stronger.
Heck even using formed panels with a metal screening mesh or punched holes would look better, it would let the air move in & out.

What kind of damage are they afraid of? Ice, Wind, Angry Birds, UFO Attack? How muck damage has the Sears Tower had done to its Antenna over its life?

From what I hear there wont be enugh communications equipment to fill the rings let alone cover the "spire/antenna"

If its primary "use" is a spire and not as an "antenna" Who cares if it is not transparent to communications equipment.

Beatles or Stones?
Paper or Plastic?
Spire or Antenna?

$100000 question is does it really need to be a "radome" or a "spire"

I say build the spire as designed or leave the whole "antenna" off.:yuck:
What a Pig F*#@ of a Project, Carry the Football to the 90 yard line and Drop it, Thanks Port Authority.

[Bill Ditnow]

Durst's fee is directly tied to how much money he can save on the construction.

BINGO!

That is all ye know, and all ye need to know.

Remember this the next time Durstbag or his representatives tell lies about how the radome-clad structure was impossible to maintain, as if an architectural outfit like SOM somehow overlooked such an important point!

That said, I'll reiterate my own view that the tower is basically mediocre, so the original spire, while vastly superior to the toothpick taking its place, probably wouldn't have saved it too much. Maybe a little. As I said earlier, the now-discarded design of the spire could itself have served as a template for the whole building, and it strikingly resembles the proposed Chicago tower that itself will never be built.

[Bill Ditnow]

The best anyone in the public can do is write the parties involved letting them know you know what's really going on and your opinion of it.

Contact List:

Coumo:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php

Christie:
http://www.state.nj.us/governor/contact/

The PA:
http://www.panynj.gov/contact/contact-us.html

SOM - David Childs:
http://www.som.com/content.cfm/contact_details?office=NYC

Durst:
info@durst.org
http://www.durst.org/contact/?category=gen

I mentioned sometime back, when this issue first arose: I work on a newspaper, and newspapers love good stories. It is probably too late now, but you should have organized a mass-mail/e-mail campaign to the newspapers, particularly to the two New York tabloids: The Post and Daily News. Tabloids love a good story, and a flood of objections to the change of the spire would have produced a story, maybe even on the front page, trumpeting the destruction of the symbolism of the tower for the sake of making a few extra bucks. Unfortunately it is probably too late now; this should have been done when the change was first (quietly!) announced. Durst crossed his fingers for that quiet, hoping it would slip under the media radar, and it did.

[Davidsam52]

I mentioned sometime back, when this issue first arose: I work on a newspaper, and newspapers love good stories. It is probably too late now, but you should have organized a mass-mail/e-mail campaign to the newspapers, particularly to the two New York tabloids: The Post and Daily News. Tabloids love a good story, and a flood of objections to the change of the spire would have produced a story, maybe even on the front page, trumpeting the destruction of the symbolism of the tower for the sake of making a few extra bucks. Unfortunately it is probably too late now; this should have been done when the change was first (quietly!) announced. Durst crossed his fingers for that quiet, hoping it would slip under the media radar, and it did.

Why would it necessarily be too late? The antenna/spire hasn't been erected yet.

[CarlosV]

more glass panels...


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7754408356_6f56b992ae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7754408356/)
DSC_0008 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7754408356/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[WTCman7301]

Why are they putting the glass panels slower than usual?

[woodrow]

The new base of the building is...is...is.....AWFUL!! I am having a hard time coming up with words to describe it. I thought the chamfered corners were kinda central to the artistic vision. The two parts, base and tower, are not related at all. Hell, just slap a faux beaux-arts facade on the base level.

Seriously - the base and main portion of the tower are seemingly two different buildings!

[patrick989]

The new base of the building is...is...is.....AWFUL!! I am having a hard time coming up with words to describe it. I thought the chamfered corners were kinda central to the artistic vision. The two parts, base and tower, are not related at all. Hell, just slap a faux beaux-arts facade on the base level.

Seriously - the base and main portion of the tower are seemingly two different buildings!

In your opinion...

[Noll]

WTC Progress (http://www.facebook.com/wtcprogress) on Facebook:

Sunrise from crane on top of WTC

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/418574_354787397931838_1020745962_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/579919_354787411265170_464278982_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217868_354787437931834_1617759635_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/304809_354787377931840_1090361695_n.jpg

[jd3189]

:previous:The last two pics bring back memories. NYC is back. :tup:

[Zapatan]

awesome views!

[woodrow]

In your opinion...

Obviously it is my opinion. Little style lesson - if one is writing an opinion, there is no need to declare "in my opinion." Much better to just state the idea.

^Oh, and that is NOT my opinion but good writing.

As to the subject at hand, you must feel that the new base design is superior to the old design. Why? I am truly curious.

The new design, in my opinion, seems like a value-engineered solution to the glass problem, and the Durst Organization has offered slim support for the change. I think the old base design, while still clunky, was trying to meet the ground in a somewhat more graceful fashion, with the chamfer and taper. Further, to me it seems, that same taper/chamfer related nicely to the main tower portions same design. What are your thoughts? (edit.- if you remove the italicized words, the commentary is the same, but clearer, more forthright)

[JMGarcia]

I mentioned sometime back, when this issue first arose: I work on a newspaper, and newspapers love good stories. It is probably too late now, but you should have organized a mass-mail/e-mail campaign to the newspapers, particularly to the two New York tabloids: The Post and Daily News. Tabloids love a good story, and a flood of objections to the change of the spire would have produced a story, maybe even on the front page, trumpeting the destruction of the symbolism of the tower for the sake of making a few extra bucks. Unfortunately it is probably too late now; this should have been done when the change was first (quietly!) announced. Durst crossed his fingers for that quiet, hoping it would slip under the media radar, and it did.

So, there an article from just 2 days ago about it in The Post. Comment there to show there's some interest.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/images_show_design_changes_to_base_A5RDHKYp3GqQR9JC2AHyBK

[Enigmatism415]

:previous:The last two pics bring back memories. NYC is back. :tup:

:tup:

[NewYorkDominates]

You sir, even though you don't need me to say this, are 100% correct! Though many "people say" the spire on all NYC buildings is reference to the statue liberty this was never stated officially especially for the current "2006 1WTC redesign" but only for the previous version with the offset spire like you stated! I have been watching these forums for years and I too do not like how disrespectful "New Jersey Guy" is to other members! He runs this topic like Nazi Germany having other members in fear to post anything ... he is nothing but a sad online bully if you ask me!

He does it for a reason.If he let things go by,this place would be just like SSC.

Though,I do agree with Traynor and the interview regarding the spire with the candle.If only they had the interview in the web.

http://www.yesnofilms.com/?m=1

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IeinhXwz03o/UCHTITxMJCI/AAAAAAAACqI/4cxP-rjrL2c/s1600/P1070083.JPG

http://highheelsandbubblegum.com/2012/08/09/nyc/

http://highheelsandbubblegum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/freedom.jpg

[CarlosV]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7755864632_828fa09851_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7755864632/)
DSC_0013 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7755864632/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[CoolCzech]

Nice photo Carlos, you're the best!

[Don098]

Looking good

[NYC GUY]

Personally I really like the new base design more than the original. :)

[NewYorkDominates]

New base is superior in my opinion.

Iron worker atop of 4WTC.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uIk5G5NA87U

[Bill Ditnow]

So, there an article from just 2 days ago about it in The Post. Comment there to show there's some interest.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/images_show_design_changes_to_base_A5RDHKYp3GqQR9JC2AHyBK

I had in mind something like this. The tabloids love controversy, and will manufacture it if need be. Get to the editors of the Post and Daily News with an outraged e-mail campaign about the "desecration" of the symbolism of 1 WTC and try to find the columnists there that have particularly involved themselves in this project down the years. What you want to achieve is this: a front page screaming headline superimposed over before and after images of the spire/antenna, a headline bellowing in all upper case letters: GROUND ZERO BETRAYAL! The in smaller type: "Durst sells out design of 1 WTC and dishonors dead to save a few bucks." You can get them to do that. They love a controversy. But as I say it may be too late. It would have worked when the changes were first announced, now it might be problematic.

[TouchTheSky13]

The new base of the building is...is...is.....AWFUL!! I am having a hard time coming up with words to describe it. I thought the chamfered corners were kinda central to the artistic vision. The two parts, base and tower, are not related at all. Hell, just slap a faux beaux-arts facade on the base level.

Seriously - the base and main portion of the tower are seemingly two different buildings!

I disagree. The old chamfered base made it look like a deli-style ketchup bottle was sitting on top of a chinese take-out paper bowel. Im glad they changed it. It looks better and in a subtle way it envokes the twins.

[mrnyc]

carlos you outdid yourself with that one -- wow i love the lights!

[gramsjdg]

I see the new base design as the lesser of two evils- there should not be a bunker/base at all.

[mrnyc]

i've just almost moved past design altogether as its so particularly all in the quality of the materials for this building.

if they use the same high quality as they did for the endlessly impressive glass facade the base will be fine.

if its cheeped out on for whatever reasons then it will....no, i don't wanna think about that!

[mat97]

Why are they putting the glass panels slower than usual?

You're right, if they continue as now, they don't finish in the year:(

[CarlosV]

cloudy morning...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7758557896_b4ceba57c7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7758557896/)
DSC_0012 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7758557896/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[Fluffybagel]

Hey guys, I just remembered that we made that "Save our Spire" petition a few months back. Eventually, we overlooked it as the spire controversy faded, but I think these new renderings are fueling the fire of our desire to grasp the attention of somebody of higher authority. We can then send the compiled signatures to a reporter to demonstrate our opinions of disapproval concerning the design. Here's the link: http://www.change.org/petitions/save-our-spire. It already has almost 150 signatures, so if you guys want to make a contribution in getting attention, I think this a great idea!:tup:

[marvelfannumber1]

Hey guys, I just remembered that we made that "Save our Spire" petition a few months back. Eventually, we overlooked it as the spire controversy faded, but I think these new renderings are fueling the fire of our desire to grasp the attention of somebody of higher authority. We can then send the compiled signatures to a reporter to demonstrate our opinions of disapproval concerning the design. Here's the link: http://www.change.org/petitions/save-our-spire. It already has almost 150 signatures, so if you guys want to make a contribution in getting attention, I think this a great idea!:tup:

Not like it will matter anyways. Internet petitions unfortunatly barely do anything even if they reach their goal. I learned that the hard way BTW. :(

[babybackribs2314]

Update from yesterday:

One World Trade Center August 2012 Update (http://www.yimbynews.com/2012/08/construction-update-world-trade-center.html)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5j9C_sG-ukw/UCR1bnTy2eI/AAAAAAAADr8/dznAosgd0_A/s640/20120809_170855.jpg

[Davidsam52]

Hey guys, I just remembered that we made that "Save our Spire" petition a few months back. Eventually, we overlooked it as the spire controversy faded, but I think these new renderings are fueling the fire of our desire to grasp the attention of somebody of higher authority. We can then send the compiled signatures to a reporter to demonstrate our opinions of disapproval concerning the design. Here's the link: http://www.change.org/petitions/save-our-spire. It already has almost 150 signatures, so if you guys want to make a contribution in getting attention, I think this a great idea!:tup:

Can't hurt to try. I just signed; it only takes a minute :)

[NewYorkDominates]

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8gmcgf3Ej1rbhwn1o1_400.jpg

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8fppy7szT1qivoiwo1_400.jpg

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/freedom-tower

[Silverfox]

"Construction Worker Injured After Fall At 1 World Trade Center"

http://gothamist.com/2012/08/11/construction_worker_injured_at_1_wo.php

At least it wasn't life threatening. I wish him the best.

[jd3189]

:previous: It's always dangerous building skyscrapers. But that is part of the legacy of the human spirit. We keep going no matter what. I wish him the best as well.

[alan88]

"Construction Worker Injured After Fall At 1 World Trade Center"

http://gothamist.com/2012/08/11/construction_worker_injured_at_1_wo.php

At least it wasn't life threatening. I wish him the best.

A lather working in a cell at 100, fell about 1 floor, PAPD/FDNY did hi angle rescue and brought him up to 100 in stokes basket and then brought down in hoist and taken to bellevue. He had shoulder and ankle injury was was alert the whole time. Very lucky.

[NYguy]

@NYGUY I'm sorry but youre wrong, I noticed that too and Traynor is right, the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty's torch was part of the old design when the spire was designed to be offset from the center, representing her arm raising it up to te sky.

I'll say it again for those that are confused. There were only two mandates for the tower's design. 1. that the building have a spire reaching 1,776 ft and 2. that the tower be aligned with the slurry wall along West Street.

David Childs original design chose to interpret the "Liberty" concept in his own way, with his twisting tower. It was indeed aligned along West Street with the slurry wall. Libeskind's vision of the asymetrical spire wasn't included, and over a lengthy battle, the governor agreed - the spire was crucial to that aspect of the site plan. David Childs maintained that they were having trouble with the asymetrical aspect of the spire in that form, but tried to work it anyway. However, what killed that particular design was the West Street mandate - the NYPD concluded that the tower was too close to what is basically a highway. The tower was streamlined, pushed back from the street, but the spire - now centered on top - was still a part of the site plan. Even if there were no broadcasters guaranteed to need or want an antenna up there, the spire was to represent the Statue of Liberty's upraised torch. It's also why they were planning the lighted beacon at the top. That's been the centerpiece of the plan for this tower, always has been, and always will be - even with the crappy antenna they now plan to place on top.

Otherwise, David Childs would never had designed a tower to feature a spire, and the plan for broadcasters to return to the building would have featured a traditional looking antenna mast.



http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/28/nyregion/28cnd-freedom.html?pagewanted=all

Revised Design for Freedom Tower Unveiled

By DAVID W. DUNLAP and GLENN COLLINS
June 28, 2006

Eager to avoid creating a fortress that overshadows the World Trade Center memorial, the architects of the Freedom Tower unveiled a new approach today. They would clad its 187-foot-high, bomb-resistant concrete base in a screen of glass prisms rather than metal panels...In the first redesign last year, the base was to rise 200 feet and perhaps be clad in stainless steel, aluminum or titanium. Though Mr. Childs envisioned these panels as enlivening the almost windowless facade, others despaired about its monolithic quality. The phrase "concrete bunker" was tossed around.

The basic form of the building has not changed. It is an obelisk on which the corners are both tapered and chamfered, or cut away diagonally. The tip of its spire would still mark the symbolic pinnacle of 1,776 feet. It would be illuminated at night in an echo, however abstract, of the Statue of Liberty's torch.

The last 408 feet of the tower's height would be a white structure, clad in fiberglass composite panels, with a gentle convex curve in the middle. Designed in collaboration with the sculptor Kenneth Snelson, it would hide a bristling forest of antennas. As a champion of the idea that the Freedom Tower should pay architectural homage to the Statue of Liberty, Mr. Libeskind offered one criticism. "I think they should work to make the figure of the torch more apparent," he said. "Even if you illuminate the flame, it is very abstract right now."





Remembering the antenna with the spire...


http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/2011/09/one-world-trade-center.asp

http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/2011/09/images/One-Word-Trade-Center-11.jpg

A spire extending 408 feet above the roof parapet of the 104-story One WTC will make the building 1,776 feet tall — an elevation set in the Ground Zero master plan. For the building’s architects, the element is more than a tactic for helping the tower achieve a symbolic height. “It is critical to the nature of the design,” says David Childs, SOM consulting design partner. He explains that it visually completes the tower, much the same way a capital completes a column.

Too bad we won't be seeing the building as it was intended, but we'll always have renderings.

[TouchTheSky13]

Went to the site and the memorial the other day and took some photos. It is even more amazing looking in person...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/84783600@N06/7762197916/in/photostream

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7762197916_ebc5daf4c7_b.jpg

[NYguy]

Amy Neufeld (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31353871@N07/7759428692/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7759428692_c7637d54db_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7759428692_d6f85cf826_h.jpg



Mitch Waman (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitchwaxman/7750697528/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7750697528_7a92dcb829_b.jpg



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7750693060_8af13a9761_b.jpg



a.tanski (http://www.flickr.com/photos/atanski/7760873200/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7760873200_9b6916dc12_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7760873200_42508be652_o.jpg

[Traynor]

Keep posting quotations all you want, but they are from architectural writers guessing/presuming that the Spire still represented Liberty's torch. NONE of them are quotations from SOM, Childs or Snelson.

And to reiterate: The reason the Spire was made sculptural and so significant to the design, was to maintain the 1776 foot height which Libeskind felt was so important. Not because it had to be Torch-like. Childs was charged by the PA and Silverstein to keep that symbolic number and so without building a much taller building which was cost prohibitive, he compromised and enclosed an antenna that would bring the height to 1776.

I realize sentimentality desperately wants Liberty in there somewhere, but wanting, guessing and presuming are not facts.

[NYguy]

Keep posting quotations all you want, but they are from architectural writers guessing/presuming that the Spire still represented Liberty's torch. NONE of them are quotations from SOM, Childs or Snelson.

And to reiterate: The reason the Spire was made sculptural and so significant to the design, was to maintain the 1776 foot height which Libeskind felt was so important. Not because it had to be Torch-like. Childs was charged by the PA and Silverstein to keep that symbolic number and so without building a much taller building which was cost prohibitive, he compromised and enclosed an antenna that would bring the height to 1776.



It's a basic concept, why you have so much trouble understanding is beyond me. It was planned from the beginning that the spire was to represent Liberty's torch. It was in no way supposed to be a duplicate or double - the spire itself was to represent the "beacon of freedom". Keep fooling yourself as you will, you can't change history, and you can't change the facts.

As far as keeping the 1,776 ft height, all they simply had to do was stick a giant spire - in any form - to achieve it. Don't portray yourself as being naive, as I'm sure you are aware of this.

[chris123678]

I wish Durst would stop being a moronic idiot and work with David Childs.

Honesty, I thought the orginal spire was to thick anyhow.
I'd love to see a thinner cladding.
The antenna is barley visible, it's so stripped down and bare. It's not even like the North Tower.

[jd3189]

:previous: Agreed. They have to modify it in some way. Get the open spire if they have to.

[1wtcspiresavor]

I wish Durst would stop being a moronic idiot and work with David Childs.

Honesty, I thought the orginal spire was to thick anyhow.
I'd love to see a thinner cladding.
The antenna is barley visible, it's so stripped down and bare. It's not even like the North Tower.

I just love how Durst claims they modified the spire and will put LEDs on it ... OH BOY BECAUSE EVERY KNOWS HOW EXPENSIVE LEDs ARE, you are a real big spender Durst!!! :yuck:
It's the same dam thing to dot, just minus the radome!

[JACKinBeantown]

Amy Neufeld (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31353871@N07/7759428692/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7759428692_c7637d54db_b.jpg

Nice shot! The original WTC can never be replaced, but the skyline is taking back its old stature.

[Fluffybagel]

Just wondering, since I didn't see it in the other and newer renderings, are they still doing that lighthouse beacon thing?

[Silverfox]

Just wondering, since I didn't see it in the other and newer renderings, are they still doing that lighthouse beacon thing?

They are keeping the beacon, except it will no longer flash 'N' (dash-dot) in Morse code. It will only shine solid horizontal beams, similar to a lighthouse--not vertical.

[CarlosV]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7765158912_7e5a336367_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765158912/)
DSC_0049 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765158912/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

.



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7765139860_df578aeb8e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765139860/)
DSC_0053 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765139860/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7765153122_00b83facf6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765153122/)
DSC_0056 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765153122/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7765145270_cb90ffb210_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765145270/)
DSC_0054 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765145270/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

.



What a beautiful sight I have...I must say that I will miss shooting the skeleton and cranes.....hopefully i will never have to see them again once this building is completed.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7765228006_eac73d317b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765228006/)
DSC_0060 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7765228006/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[Traynor]

It's a basic concept, why you have so much trouble understanding is beyond me. It was planned from the beginning that the spire was to represent Liberty's torch. It was in no way supposed to be a duplicate or double - the spire itself was to represent the "beacon of freedom". Keep fooling yourself as you will, you can't change history, and you can't change the facts.

As far as keeping the 1,776 ft height, all they simply had to do was stick a giant spire - in any form - to achieve it. Don't portray yourself as being naive, as I'm sure you are aware of this.

You see, this is why you should never be a moderator... I have never gotten personal, but in your moderating you always attack the person directly, not the argument. Bad form.

You just can't wrap your mind arround the facts, yet you said it your own words:

"It was planned from the beginning that the spire was to represent Liberty's torch."

The key words "from the beginning". The holdover of the Torch theme was then just presumed by so many people, including yourself. Once again, that theme for the final Spire was never spoken of by anyone at Skidmore, Owings & Merril, David Childs or Kenneth Snelson.

"As far as keeping the 1,776 ft height, all they simply had to do was stick a giant spire - in any form - to achieve it."

To simply stick any spire in any form, goes to prove that you know nothing of the history of the design of this building nor its motivation. The building was commanded by the PA to hold a large antenna for possible transmission of broadcast signals (A vital source of revenue). The height of that antenna was dictated by the need to keep Libesind's magical 1776 foot height. Covering it in a sculptural paneling satisfied the criteria of the CTBUH in including it to the building's height.

Please just admit that you are presuming everything and have no hard evidence and we can be done with this silly pissing contest.

[Modulair]

hi people!

it's been two weeks since my last visit on the forum..

Could anyone please remind me what is the current situation?
i.e:
Tower topped out ?
if not, when is it expected ?

Thanks :)

[MadGnome]

The line that everybody seems to ignore is the one where the cladding was also meant to hide the "bristling forest of antennas". People look at the new mast and say "That doesn't look so bad. Well, it's not going to look like that. It's going to look worse that mess on the ESB once they fill it with customers. It will be hideous.

[-Filipe-]

who cares about the antenna spire like seriously can't you all just shut up about that and watch the building get completed, ffs a bunch of little whiners, get over it, if you like it or not it doesn't really matter, and the stupid debate whether its supposed to represent the liberty torch does it really matter like seriously if it was supposed to or not doesn't really matter, seriously

[Tru Bert]

hi people!

it's been two weeks since my last visit on the forum..

Could anyone please remind me what is the current situation?
i.e:
Tower topped out ?
if not, when is it expected ?

Thanks :)

It Seems The Tower Has Topped at the 105th Floor. The Communications Ring has Yet to be Started Still. Otherwise you didn't Miss Much!

[CarlosV]

who cares about the antenna spire like seriously can't you all just shut up about that and watch the building get completed, ffs a bunch of little whiners, get over it, if you like it or not it doesn't really matter, and the stupid debate whether its supposed to represent the liberty torch does it really matter like seriously if it was supposed to or not doesn't really matter, seriously

Agreed, take it to PMs


Anyways....another beautiful day in NYC, and they keep on working on top.....here comes the blimp :)


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7766082772_ef186193de.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7766082772/)
DSC_0061 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7766082772/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[2-TOWERS]

Agreed, take it to PMs guys !!!! stop beating a dead horse :haha:


Anyways....another beautiful day in NYC, and they keep on working on top.....here comes the blimp :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7766082772_ef186193de_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7766082772/)
DSC_0061 copy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/7766082772/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

Another Great shot my Man !!!!!!!!:cheers:

[Davidsam52]

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/166687/construction-worker-hospitalized-after-fall-at-1wtc

Doesn't sound too serious, luckily, but another incident....

UPDATE: Oops never mind I see on the last page someone else already posted on this....

[NewYorkDominates]

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitchwaxman/7750697528/sizes/l/in/photostream/]Mitch

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7760873200_42508be652_o.jpg

I remember seeing this photo with the Twins at night.Does anyone know what picture I'm referring to?

It's a pic of the Twin Towers at night with the setting of this same junkyard.

[Bill Ditnow]

FWIW, Childs himself has said that his own design is intended to allude, not to the Statue of Liberty, but rather the Washington Monument. (http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/2011/09/one-world-trade-center.asp)

In the linked article, which obviously has not been updated recently, there is a detailed discussion of the original spire. Note that Childs describes it as "critical" to realizing his artistic vision of the building:

“It is critical to the nature of the design,” says David Childs, SOM consulting design partner. He explains that it visually completes the tower, much the same way a capital completes a column.

Given the fact that Childs is no doubt privately seething over the decision to replace his sculptural spire with a cheap toothpick, it may still not be too late to get the New York tabloids into a lather over this and plaster it on their front pages. Those of you who feel strongly about this should organize a mass e-mail campaign to the New York Post and New York Daily News. You may get results.

[Bill Ditnow]

If you read the detailed discussion of the original spire on that page, and all the thought that went into it, Durst's insult because all the more outrageous. To suggest that SOM went into all this detail on the spire and then amazingly forgot to account for how it would be maintained, which is what Durst claims, is a bald-faced lie pure and simple. That Durst has not yet been called to account for this lie is bewildering to say the least.

[NewYorkDominates]

Flickr.com
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7721856502_5d4135cf59_h.jpg

http://ankuriview.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/dailyphoto-relax-n-enjoy-the-freedom-tower-slowly-rising-to-touch-sky-photography-iphoneography-365/
http://ankuriview.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/p2409-scaled1000.jpg?w=1000&h=750

[Bill Ditnow]

For those of you who are interested in drumming up news media interest/outrage over the scrapping of the original spire, you have a news hook: the revised drawings of 1 WTC were released within the past few days. It would have been better to approach the media a couple of months ago, when the changes were first announced, but you've been given a second chance. However, the window of opportunity will close quickly. A week from now the new drawings will be ancient history, as far as the news media is concerned.

So, if you care as much as you say you do, bombard the media with emails asking for an investigation into this. Your best bets are the New York Post, the New York Daily News, the New York Observer and the Village Voice. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal are not likely to care.

[QUEENSNYMAN]

FROM: NYBOY75

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj4y1RQEPkA&feature=youtu.be

[alan88]

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/166687/construction-worker-hospitalized-after-fall-at-1wtc

Doesn't sound too serious, luckily, but another incident....

UPDATE: Oops never mind I see on the last page someone else already posted on this....

Just bruised, nothing broken, was going to be released last night. Lucky man.

[J_M_Tungsten]

It's kind of weird, but I think I'll miss all the construction update pictures when this one wraps up..

[Tru Bert]

It's kind of weird, but I think I'll miss all the construction update pictures when this one wraps up..

I Agree... Its Gonna Be Different Without The Construction. Like when They Finished The 9/11 Memorial, I Missed Checking in on It Daily Like I Do with One Wtc.

[JACKinBeantown]

I'm gonna miss seeing Carlos' excellent photos of One World Trade Center (as well as many other people's). But after not too long he might have a good view of 432 Park Avenue to share with us.

[RockMont]

It Seems The Tower Has Topped at the 105th Floor. The Communications Ring has Yet to be Started Still. Otherwise you didn't Miss Much!



As far as I'm concerned, that is where the top out point is. From now on it's the laying down of the concrete floors and the glass skin that needs catching up. It will be soon.

[chris123678]

We still have a bit of work to look forward to.
We have
Glass panel installation
Communication Ring installation
Base Cladding
the Antenna.
So we' have a good 8 months of work to view.

[jd3189]

who cares about the antenna spire like seriously can't you all just shut up about that and watch the building get completed, ffs a bunch of little whiners, get over it, if you like it or not it doesn't really matter, and the stupid debate whether its supposed to represent the liberty torch does it really matter like seriously if it was supposed to or not doesn't really matter, seriously

You're right, but its easy to say that since you won't have to look at this "spire" everyday. But on to other news, yes, it will be a little weird that the construction updates will soon end but now that 1 WTC has topped out, we have witness the NYC skyline grow back to its full extent and in the coming years, we will see it continue to grow as more and more buildings pop up. This is truly just the beginning and I'm going to try to visit New York every year to be in the same caliber as Carlos, NYguy, Hunser, and all the other guys who spent their time to take and/or show these pictures to us. Keep up the good work as we see 432 Park, Hudson Yards, and other towers join the ever-changing skyline. :notacrook:

[Kevin Scott Koepke]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7768762862_c75ff3578d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticfantasticphotography/7768762862/)
One World Trade Center; 8/12/2012 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/plasticfantasticphotography/7768762862/) by kevin scott koepke photography (http://www.flickr.com/people/plasticfantasticphotography/), on Flickr

[Tru Bert]

As far as I'm concerned, that is where the top out point is. From now on it's the laying down of the concrete floors and the glass skin that needs catching up. It will be soon.

Ya But the Main Structure Has Topped. Now We Have Just a Bit More Work on Top Still.

[NYguy]

You just can't wrap your mind arround the facts,

I see you still cling to your misguided understanding. It's ok, that's why I'm here. I'll continue to correct you even when you don't seem capable of accepting it. In fact, it's one of the reasons I'm on the forum in the first place.


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1657195/posts
Freedom Tower Spire To Resemble Lady Liberty

Jun 28, 2006


Designed to evoke the Statue of Liberty's torch, the spire that tops the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower will feature a revolving beacon that could change color and cast beams of light into the sky, while thousands of glass prisms will cover the building's 20-story, windowless base.

The spire that creates the building's symbolic, 1,776-foot height will be covered in a white, fiberglass structure that a sculptor is helping to create, designers say. Daniel Libeskind, the original architect of the Freedom Tower, initially designed the spire to be off-center on a twisting building meant to resemble the Statue of Liberty. The spire remains in the center of the building, but the new design calls for a pedestal, housing satellite dishes and antennas, that more closely resembles the statue's torch.

The Port Authority was in no way committed to the antenna - negotiations broke off long ago, and only relatively recently did the broadcasters get back on board. The one thing that was certain from the PA (and of course the state) - there would be a spire one way or another. They weren't committed to the "bulkier" version of the spire at the time because they didn't know if it would be necessary without the antenna.

Your revisionist history won't work with someone who has followed this redevelopment every step of the way from day one. Try it with more gullable types, but here we will stick to the facts as they are.



FWIW, Childs himself has said that his own design is intended to allude, not to the Statue of Liberty, but rather the Washington Monument. (http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/2011/09/one-world-trade-center.asp)

In the linked article, which obviously has not been updated recently, there is a detailed discussion of the original spire. Note that Childs describes it as "critical" to realizing his artistic vision of the building:


Childs Washington Monument allusion was for the entire tower. As far as the spire being critical to his artistic vision of the building, why would he do it any other way? He may not have planned a spire - and for those who think he did it just to hide the antenna, his original tower included antennas and no spire - but because the spire was mandated, he designed the building to work with a spire, and the bare antenna that they plan to top it with now doesn't do his vision justice. They continue to insists that it is a spire, and it may very well be ruled a spire.

The building is still pleasant to look at, it just won't be all that it could have been.


nrhodesphotos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_eye_of_the_moment/7769522832/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7769522832_e04a029b6d_b.jpg

[pico44]

To simply stick any spire in any form, goes to prove that you know nothing of the history of the design of this building nor its motivation. The building was commanded by the PA to hold a large antenna for possible transmission of broadcast signals (A vital source of revenue). The height of that antenna was dictated by the need to keep Libesind's magical 1776 foot height. Covering it in a sculptural paneling satisfied the criteria of the CTBUH in including it to the building's height.

Please just admit that you are presuming everything and have no hard evidence and we can be done with this silly pissing contest.


So wait, you're saying NYGuy shouldn't be moderator and then you accuse him of knowing "nothing" of the history of this building? The same NYGuy that has posted hundreds and hundreds of carefully read and highlighted articles on this site?

You see, this is why everyone hates you.

[chris123678]

]Traynor;5796006]You see, this is why you should never be a moderator... I have never gotten personal, but in your moderating you always attack the person directly, not the argument. Bad form.

To simply stick any spire in any form, goes to prove that you know nothing of the history of the design of this building nor its motivation. The building was commanded by the PA to hold a large antenna for possible transmission of broadcast signals (A vital source of revenue). The height of that antenna was dictated by the need to keep Libesind's magical 1776 foot height. Covering it in a sculptural paneling satisfied the criteria of the CTBUH in including it to the building's height.

Please just admit that you are presuming everything and have no hard evidence and we can be done with this silly pissing contest.


Firstly, I think you should learn the job of a moderator before you criticize, he volunteers his time and effort to do a very difficult job that he gets no pay for, believe me, I know.

Secondly, from the very start,when Daniel Liberskind first design was released, the building had a spire. David Child's idea for the spire came from when he first came to the U.S and wanted to evoke the torch in the Statue of Liberty's hand. From the very beginning, this building was to have a spire. The redesigned plan was to make the building, 1,368, the height of the original North Tower, and add a spire, that makes it 1,776, the year of the declaration of Independence. Simple as that.