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

[Davidsam52]

http://blog.flickr.net/2013/01/11/the-story-behind-amazing-wtc-ics/

This is some really fascinating stuff; it was posted on Yahoo this morning. Great pics, too! :)

[Otie]

Isn't this the case with the antenna bolts? I saw a post like this on Wired Ny? Same problem with the base as the antenna?

I don't know anything related to the mast bolts, cranes are being used to hoist permanent HVAC and MEP equipment to the upper plenum.

Podium enclosure technical problems are being solved by the Permasteelisa crew, installation of the perforated plates and stainless steel slats should begin at the south face once squaring-off is complete.

West hoist going down during the coming weeks.

[hunser]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8360322459_7bc634e5f7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neunzehn/8360322459/)
New York above Jersey City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neunzehn/8360322459/) von Valentinian (http://www.flickr.com/people/neunzehn/) auf Flickr

[chris123678]

I don't know anything related to the mast bolts, cranes are being used to hoist permanent HVAC and MEP equipment to the upper plenum.

Podium enclosure technical problems are being solved by the Permasteelisa crew, installation of the perforated plates and stainless steel slats should begin at the south face once squaring-off is complete.

West hoist going down during the coming weeks.

Thanks for the clarification. :)

[kpdrummer82]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8372833981_64e84361f4_b.jpg Base concrete is being poured.

[jcchii]

meeting all of the expectations, imo.. looks great

[NYguy]

apointofnoreturn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73310448@N08/8373950726/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8373950726_dd65a21b7d_b.jpg

[Chapelo]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8371122467_287839d9aa_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/texasboyinjersey/8371122467/)
Orion over Manhattan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/texasboyinjersey/8371122467/) by grantuhard (http://www.flickr.com/people/texasboyinjersey/), on Flickr

[NewYorkDominates]

^ Wow.

Leica M-E
http://pandorf.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/new-york-2.jpg?w=1024&h=681

http://blog.duanepandorf.com/

[laser110]

All,

Hi. Newbie here but I have been lurking since page 1274. I check the forum sometimes twice a day to see updates. I live in Central NJ and remember the original Twins, as most of you do. On a clear day you could see them from my town as you can now see 1WTC.

Hoping I can add something here and will chime in when I think I can. BTW, some great pics, keep them coming!

Scott

[eleven=11]

yahoo has a video special about the escalator on the 100th floor.

anybody have a floor plans of the 101 floor?

[Roadcruiser1]

yahoo has a video special about the escalator on the 100th floor.

anybody have a floor plans of the 101 floor?

Here.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/readying-a-destination-at-new-yorks-new-summit/
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/11/03/blogs/20111103Tower2/20111103Tower2-custom1.jpg

[rjb001]

apointofnoreturn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73310448@N08/8373950726/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8373950726_dd65a21b7d_b.jpg

Is that part of the vents that's uncovered there?

[Chapelo]

^^ Yep! :cheers:

[Thaniel]

Here.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/readying-a-destination-at-new-yorks-new-summit/
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/11/03/blogs/20111103Tower2/20111103Tower2-custom1.jpg

*golf clap*

Oh how I miss the days when Zen Steel Dude could throw out floor plans for us. *RIP*

[PhillyToNYC]

This may be an odd question, and if you don't understand I would be glad to elaborate. Are there any floors in this tower (they would probably be closer to the base) that are the same dimensions as the original Twins? Again, probably a stupid question, but it has been on my mind for such a long time.

[Roadcruiser1]

This may be an odd question, and if you don't understand I would be glad to elaborate. Are there any floors in this tower (they would probably be closer to the base) that are the same dimensions as the original Twins? Again, probably a stupid question, but it has been on my mind for such a long time.

Yes. The lobby and the lower floors (Floor 20 for example) are square.

Floor plans for One World Trade Center. The lowest one is of floor 20.
http://www.pdfpedia.com/pdfimage/5770_pg_0006.jpg

One World Trade Center's Lobby.
http://0.tqn.com/d/architecture/1/0/6/h/freedomtowerGroundFloorPlan_06-27-06.jpg

[AlphaCentauri]

This may be an odd question, and if you don't understand I would be glad to elaborate. Are there any floors in this tower (they would probably be closer to the base) that are the same dimensions as the original Twins? Again, probably a stupid question, but it has been on my mind for such a long time.

No.
The base of 1WTC has the dimensions 200x200 ft, and the original trade center was 208x208 ft.

[bigreach]

^ Wow.

Leica M-E
http://pandorf.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/new-york-2.jpg?w=1024&h=681

http://blog.duanepandorf.com/

NY Dominator, I thought you said the mechanical windows would be double the size?

[Rizzo]

Here's the special on the escalator hoist

http://blog.flickr.net/en/2013/01/11/the-story-behind-amazing-wtc-ics/

[CHAPINM1]

No.
The base of 1WTC has the dimensions 200x200 ft, and the original trade center was 208x208 ft.

Actually the base of 1WTC is 205x205 feet if I remember correctly, I don't remember if it was Zen, but it was stated about a year ago. It's probably at least that now with the change in the base design.

[PZelda]

Uggghhhh I so can't wait for 1 WTC to open to the public!! I'm so gonna be there! :slob:

[PMadFlyer]

NY Dominator, I thought you said the mechanical windows would be double the size?

No, not a single panel that is twice as tall. These panels are some of the largest in the world and that makes constructing, transporting, and installing them difficult. The floors instead have more than one panel in stead of one very tall one, that is why we see a few beams that aren't level with the floor.

[jd3189]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8360322459_7bc634e5f7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neunzehn/8360322459/)
New York above Jersey City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neunzehn/8360322459/) von Valentinian (http://www.flickr.com/people/neunzehn/) auf Flickr

Looks almost like San Francisco.

[sterlippo1]

Looks almost like San Francisco.

:shrug::shrug::shrug::shrug:decidely not:runaway::koko:

[TechTalkGuy]

Looks almost like San Francisco.

:imwithstupid: If you say so! :facepalm:

[Don098]

I think he's talking about the hill homes in the foreground, not the skyscrapers....obviously. The joke's on you, kids...:rolleyes:

[Boquillas]

It's pretty obvious he's referring to the appearance of the dense housing piled on the bluff in New Jersey, with the Jersey City/NYC skyline beyond-- a composition not unlike many shots you might see of SF. If you try seeing a photo compositionally and lose your skyline-centric myopia your world gets larger and more interesting.

Edit: Don098 beat me to it.

[Don098]

It's pretty obvious he's referring to the appearance of the dense housing piled on the bluff in New Jersey, with the Jersey City/NYC skyline beyond-- a composition not unlike many shots you might see of SF. If you try seeing a photo compositionally and lose your skyline-centric myopia your world gets larger and more interesting.

Edit: Don098 beat me to it.

Although this is much more eloquently stated :tup:

[NewYorkDominates]

This is going to look amazing with the mechanical vents.

joiseyshowaa
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8378190892_3911960153_h.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/8378190892/sizes/h/in/photostream/

[Hudson11]

Nice update. Its been so damn foggy this weekend that its been tough to follow the progress of the cladding.

[bigreach]

apointofnoreturn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73310448@N08/8373950726/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8373950726_dd65a21b7d_b.jpg

What is the bldg next to it with green roof? And how does it possibly look so tall

[Thaniel]

What is the bldg next to it with green roof? And how does it possibly look so tall

It's the Woolworth building. One of the oldest skyscrapers in the United States if not the World.

And 'looks so tall' because of perspective. It's several streets closer to the person taking the picture than One WTC is behind it.

[Duck From NY]

What is the bldg next to it with green roof?

That's the Woolworth Building, possibly my favorite skyscraper in the world. Upon it's completion in 1913 it was dubbed 'the Cathedral of Commerce' due to it's Neo-Gothic design. At 792 feet, it reigned as the tallest building in the world until surpassed in 1930 by 40 Wall St.

It looks like heaven in the morning glow if you're standing to the East of it right after sunrise.

[PZelda]

Speaking of perspective, you get that same effect if you stand between 1 and 7 WTC and then look up on Vesey - 1 is 2x as tall as 7, but that means nothing when you're in between them since they're both plenty tall! :D

[Ed007Toronto]

Great photos!

[pnapp1]

Crew inspects spire erection scaffold at One WTC.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/736474_415995215144389_1236150646_o.jpg
WTC Progress: Facebook

[Guiltyspark]

Did someone just ask what the Woolworth building is called? :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

[NYguy]

Olivier Sanzot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliviersanzot/8378487320/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8378487320_034f573c61_b.jpg



Janusz Konrad (http://www.flickr.com/photos/janusz_konrad/8376647393/sizes/h/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8376647393_5d2f3fcf59_h.jpg

[NYRebel]

First shots with my new DSLR from Flickr. Not as good as others (yet! Lol)


TheRexCollection (http://www.flickr.com/photos/therexcollection/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8381380420_b66a6f7a8f_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8381378244_02467a890d_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8381375114_abce014069_b.jpg

[AlphaCentauri]

This is going to look amazing with the mechanical vents.

joiseyshowaa
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8378190892_3911960153_h.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/8378190892/sizes/h/in/photostream/


Thanks for this picture NYD.
This is one of those pictures that I lose track of time when staring at it. :D

[sterlippo1]

I think he's talking about the hill homes in the foreground, not the skyscrapers....obviously. The joke's on you, kids...:rolleyes:

i'm not nearly a kid and i did get that but sorry, no way. Many city skylines have that. Having been to both metro's more than i can count, i just dont see it

[MarshallKnight]

That's the Woolworth Building, possibly my favorite skyscraper in the world. Upon it's completion in 1913 it was dubbed 'the Cathedral of Commerce' due to it's Neo-Gothic design. At 792 feet, it reigned as the tallest building in the world until surpassed in 1930 by 40 Wall St.

It looks like heaven in the morning glow if you're standing to the East of it right after sunrise.

It's incredible. AND, soon a few lucky bastards (http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2012/08/07/woolworth_buildings_top_floors_will_become_luxury_condos.php) will be living in that gorgeous green slope.

[-Filipe-]

wow great picture newyorkdominates :D

[NewYorkDominates]

Thanks guys...

The Mad Stork
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8381264608_2197d8fc22_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themadstork/8381264608/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[deepen915]

took this on Friday at the WTC Path..

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8381974076_56d00991d2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10118053@N02/8381974076/)
One WTC 1/11/13 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10118053@N02/8381974076/) by deepen03 (http://www.flickr.com/people/10118053@N02/), on Flickr

[PMadFlyer]

Did someone just ask what the Woolworth building is called? :facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. By ridiculing someone for asking a simple question, it makes an environment where people are afraid to ask questions with answers that might appeal to others. Besides, people may honestly not know, especially because it would appear that far more people read the forums than actually register or post.
four rows have begun with the slots.

[CarlosV]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8381535641_8596b3a8d8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8381535641/)
1 WTC 01142013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8381535641/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[uaarkson]

I feel bad for competing with Carlos here, but this is a cool photo (taken through a foggy airplane window)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8220543109_22ec7ea655_k.jpg
Sacker Foto (http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott_sacker_foto/8220543109/)

[CarlosV]

:hi:

and here's the plane...... LOL and that photo is 2 months old!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8382653388_cdb62cbe4a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8382653388/)
1 WTC 01142013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8382653388/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

[NewYorkDominates]

rcolonna
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8382842864_3cae052f1f_h.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcolonna/8382842864/sizes/h/in/photostream/

[aquablue]

The tower looks nice and shiny.

[2-TOWERS]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8381535641_8596b3a8d8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8381535641/)
1 WTC 01142013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ceva321/8381535641/) by Ceva321 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ceva321/), on Flickr

NICE !!!!!!:tup:

[NYC=WTC]

When are they going to install that antenna piece that they already lifted up their? What are they waiting on?

[NYguy]

whatisintheblackbox (http://www.flickr.com/photos/procrun/8382510558/sizes/h/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8382510558_599d214bc9_h.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8382510416_3e03df7a3b_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8382510416_d045116e7e_h.jpg




pedroboe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedroboe/8380323007/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8380323007_e2014f0940_b.jpg



hawaii (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawaii/8381237487/sizes/l/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8381237487_f7ea236e96_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8382335452_fa408e40c2_k.jpg

[StrongIsland]

It's been reported the first piece of the spire went in this morning. I don't know how true it is but here's the link to the small article I found..

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Cranes-install-base-of-WTC-spire-4195013.php

[ThisSideofSteinway]

It's been reported the first piece of the spire went in this morning. I don't know how true it is but here's the link to the small article I found..

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Cranes-install-base-of-WTC-spire-4195013.php

Cuomo just posted some photo links (http://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/sets/72157632525888923/with/8383991256/) on his official Twitter feed. (https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo)

[yankeesfan1000]

^^

Saw it go up early this morning on my way to the bank.

[PZelda]

I see that now the SW corner has been squared off! And the more external beams(? - you can see the outline of where they were before on the base) have been removed. Now - the base is finally starting to take shape! Shouldn't be too much longer before base cladding finally begins. :) I'm excited to see it begin to take shape! Now it's really sinking in that construction work on the exterior is in the end stages. :D :tup:

[Guiltyspark]

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. By ridiculing someone for asking a simple question, it makes an environment where people are afraid to ask questions with answers that might appeal to others. Besides, people may honestly not know, especially because it would appear that far more people read the forums than actually register or post.
four rows have begun with the slots.

There is a place called google for such questions.

Also, how many rows have begun with the slots?

See how there can be such a thing as a stupid question?

[Skyguy_7]

There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. By ridiculing someone for asking a simple question, it makes an environment where people are afraid to ask questions with answers that might appeal to others. Besides, people may honestly not know, especially because it would appear that far more people read the forums than actually register or post.
four rows have begun with the slots.


I'm with you, PMadFlyer.

[NYguy]

^ :order: Enough with that....



governorandrewcuomo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/8383991256/sizes/c/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8383991256_b0196a39fd_c.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8383986360_007806a3df_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8383988746_6a6332de71_b.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8382898503_9913ebcc1a_b.jpg

[Skyguy_7]

My apologies, NYguy. Moving on. ^ Excellent pics!

[pnapp1]

One More!

https://www.facebook.com/wtcprogress
http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/741070_416381091772468_714487295_o.jpg
WTC Progress: Facebook

[NYC GUY]

Im assuming the glass won't go full speed until the rest of the side crane is gone?

[laser110]

Great pic pnapp1! Besides the mounting bolts appears to be a flexible tube with a connection on top. Looks almost like a water connection when you install a faucet. Anyone know what that is for?

Scott

[Otie]

Im assuming the glass won't go full speed until the rest of the side crane is gone?

That on the northwest corner, but the whole enclosure progress depends on weather conditions. The Benson crew is -compared to ironworkers- totally exposed to the force of the wind, so lets hope nature cooperates.

[CCs77]

A video of the first piece of the spire being installed.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Cranes-Install-Base-One-World-Trade-Center-Spire-186941081.html

[marshall]

I haven't posted in awhile, great to see the progress of the spire. Will there be any encased staircase in the middle of it for maintenance? Or will it be like the old North Tower spire, and not be accessible at all once installed? How many sections make up the spire? It looks larger and wider than I thought. And how will it be anchored to the roof? I could be wrong, but I don't think 1WTC will have a hat truss?

On another note, I can't wait until the spire is installed, and the building finished, even though the roof won't be accessible by the public, hoping we get some cool video from the top by maintenance workers someday! That would be so cool.

[Otie]

Will there be any encased staircase in the middle of it for maintenance?
Not encased, a ladder will run all the way to the top section.

How many sections make up the spire?
18 pieces in total, pieces numbered 16 and 17 will be temporary lifted to the north corner at the roof slab where the tower crane used to stand.

And how will it be anchored to the roof?
Base section already covered with concrete, the first section will be bolted to the base.

I could be wrong, but I don't think 1WTC will have a hat truss?
Not a hat truss but a similar simplified system that connects the perimeter structure to the core at the upper plenum (just below the observation decks).

[Design-mind]

Putting the mast on looks like quite the feat, especially aligning up all the holes to match the mounting bolt pattern. Amazing shots from a construction point of view. Thanks for the great posts!

[marshall]

Thanks Otie, you're so helpful! Answered all my questions! Will this spire be more secured to the top of the tower than the old one? Any idea when the whole main part of the spire will be installed?

[Otie]

Max deflection point is about 0.5 degrees at the upper most section. The whole mast is breaked in small sections, there is no section significantly taller than the rest.

[TechTalkGuy]

The first section of the spire video:
bdZOqAZ3-sQ

[Fluffybagel]

I find it funny how the media is still referring to the mast as a "spire" :facepalm:

[jjmmagoo]

Im assuming the glass won't go full speed until the rest of the side crane is gone?

Please forgive me for my ignorance! First off this is a great website! I have learned more from you guys about construction of skyscrapers then I ever thought possible! My question may be stupid and please forgive me for asking this, what is the purpose of the side crane? I have tried researching it and haven't found the exact reasoning behind it. I must also ask is this new technology or theorty behind it by having a crane on the side of the building although while having two tower cranes on top of the building. Once again thank you for your time and this site!:tup:

[gramsjdg]

I find it funny how the media is still referring to the mast as a "spire" :facepalm:

I seriously doubt anyone involved with the project will call the antenna mast anything but a spire, otherwise Durst will have them fired for undermining his blissful state of denial:runaway:

[TechTalkGuy]

:previous: The antenna spire shall forever be known as an architectural genius! :haha:

[IntoTheLens827]

'

[Otie]

Please forgive me for my ignorance! First off this is a great website! I have learned more from you guys about construction of skyscrapers then I ever thought possible! My question may be stupid and please forgive me for asking this, what is the purpose of the side crane? I have tried researching it and haven't found the exact reasoning behind it. I must also ask is this new technology or theorty behind it by having a crane on the side of the building although while having two tower cranes on top of the building. Once again thank you for your time and this site!:tup:

Oh no, please. I'd be glad to answer any question, as long as I have the knowledge and is non-confidential.

Sliding crane used to deliver concrete components e.g. rebar and related materials. The arrangement we finally got of the cranes was selected as better fitting to the logistics of the project.

Bit of trivia, Tishman originally planned to erect two "concrete delivery" cranes, and they weren't sliding but were more traditional tower cranes sitting at north and south entrances.
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8058/6542uv986t5hhi8yyg6.jpg

[NewYorque]

Good that they finally install the antenna :)

Will they install the 17 other sections in short delays ?
I mean, two sections per week, for example ?

Or will they wait one month between each section, like they did until now ?

[NYguy]

I find it funny how the media is still referring to the mast as a "spire" :facepalm:

That's always been the case with the media. Antennas are often referred to as "spires", though there is a difference. For the purposes of their story, its all the same to them.



Marcos Iuato (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iuato/8384175117/sizes/h/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8384175117_034fe968e4_h.jpg



Shabdro Photo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shabdro/8384316189/sizes/l/in/photostream/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8384316189_ddc045ae97_b.jpg

[Crawford]

That's always been the case with the media. Antennas are often referred to as "spires", though there is a difference. For the purposes of their story, its all the same to them.


This is true, but it is technically a spire. It might not be the spire that some wanted, but it fits the definition of spire.

[MadGnome]

I'm not sure if anyone who insists on referring to antenna masts as antennas should be criticizing the media.

[NYGrail]

My friend is a contractor at 1wtc and took this photo the other night:
http://i45.tinypic.com/24e3qbr.jpg

[babybackribs2314]

This is true, but it is technically a spire. It might not be the spire that some wanted, but it fits the definition of spire.
It is not a spire.

[RockMont]

It is what it is, so no need to split hair, over it.

[NYguy]

This is true, but it is technically a spire. It might not be the spire that some wanted, but it fits the definition of spire.

If that's the case, they're all spires. But we know better than that, especially and specifically since this is being built to support broadcasting, stripped as it is of any architectural intent.


NilsPix (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nilspix/8387078652/sizes/c/in/photostream/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8387078652_c965b7ba95_c.jpg



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8387078652_c965b7ba95_b.jpg

[NYC GUY]

This is true, but it is technically a spire. It might not be the spire that some wanted, but it fits the definition of spire.

It's a spire the thing is literally built into the building while antennas are attached later on.

[eleven=11]

It's a spire the thing is literally built into the building while antennas are attached later on.

yeah its a spire.

I like the new glass with the slots.
slits in the glass seem strange , is there other tall buildings
with similiar glass?

[babybackribs2314]

It's a spire the thing is literally built into the building while antennas are attached later on.
But the only purpose is to serve as an antenna. If it were not for the broadcasting equipment, it would not be getting built--the intent is to generate revenue. The only former distinguishing factor was the radome covering.

[jd3189]

^^^ Yep. In essence it is a mast that will be covered with thousands of antennas. If it looked as if architecture was considered in the design, then it would be a spire.

[babybackribs2314]

^^^ Yep. In essence it is a mast that will be covered with thousands of antennas. If it looked as if architecture was considered in the design, then it would be a spire.
Exactly. It's not that big of a deal, I think it just denotes the fact that--in the end--One WTC is NOT a national landmark but a commercial building. $$$ > design, even in projects of supposed national importance (if it was so important, it wouldn't have taken 12 years to still be half-finished). I'm just thrilled that 432 Park and 225 W57th will top One World Trade Center on the CTBUH rankings. :)

[NYguy]

But the only purpose is to serve as an antenna. If it were not for the broadcasting equipment, it would not be getting built--the intent is to generate revenue. The only former distinguishing factor was the radome covering.

Yeah, its so obvious, I don't even know why we have to have this discussion. The rules are clear, but the CTBUH won't rule officially until the bulding is complete. But its very clear. I don't see how rules change for this one building.

The radome covering presented an architectural element, the most significant of the entire WTC site plan, with the antenna mast hidden inside. Now it is simply the broadcast mast, but oh, it will be lit up at night. That counts for something, right? Please.

[QUEENSNYMAN]

My friend is a contractor at 1wtc and took this photo the other night:
http://i45.tinypic.com/24e3qbr.jpg

Very nice thanks for sharing:tup:

[AlphaCentauri]

The radome covering presented an architectural element, the most significant of the entire WTC site plan,

nah
I think most people will say that the footprints of the original towers are the most important element.
That being said however, the loss of the radome enclosure does diminish the impact of this tower.

[-Filipe-]

i like the antenna :D

[Dense_Electric]

I'm just thrilled that 432 Park and 225 W57th will top One World Trade Center on the CTBUH rankings. :)

Has the CTBUH officially ruled that the antenna/mast/spire/whatever you care to call it is not officially part of the height? Because I still see the official height in their database set at 541m, taller than 432 Park.

Also, I've got a new proposed rule for this discussion (this goes for everyone): if you're going to make a snarky, 1-5 word post that does nothing but change the word "spire" to "antenna:" don't. Having an intelligent debate is one thing, but you don't get to decide that it's an antenna for everyone else. If that is how CTBUH rules, so be it, and everyone is free to accept or reject their ruling in turn. Likewise, if they rule that it's a spire, I'm not going to go around criticizing everyone who considers it an antenna.

[sw5710]

What if there is an existing building with a spire and they put antennas on that spire. Does that negate the height of the spire. Now back to the CTBUH. As long as the same rules apply to 1WTC as with every other building that is cool.

[Hudson11]

What if there is an existing building with a spire and they put antennas on that spire. Does that negate the height of the spire. Now back to the CTBUH. As long as the same rules apply to 1WTC as with every other building that is cool.
as per the CTBUH, a spire is an architectural element therefore it is considered the 'official' height. If you stick an antenna on the spire the official height remains the same, even if the antenna increases the pinnacle. A good example of this is 4 Times Square in NYC. (http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=3837) Notice it has a spire height and an antenna height (the antenna was added later) The CTBUH recognizes the spire height as the official height.
1 WTC is a weird case. The mast is being built as a part of the building like a spire but it's purpose is to support broadcasting equipment. People also make the argument that the special beacon that sits atop the mast is an architectural element so the mast can be considered a spire