WTC design finalist - what is that object?

Factual Questions
1

If you look at one of the two finalists for the redesign of the WTC here, you’ll see a large paper object suspended above the ground across both towers. I can’t seem to find any more info about that particular design that tells me what that object is. Can someone enlighten me?

2

Looks like… a jet plane? That would be kinda creepy…

3

I thought it was, well, a big ribbon.

4

I read in an article somewhere when the designs were published that it was part of the structure – an art gallery, I believe.

A very poorly designed space, no doubt.

5

It is some modernistic connection between the two structures. Probably used as a walkway with restaurants, shops, etc. There appear to be other objects inside each tower. The topmost are likely observatories, but I have no idea what the ones are below the object mentioned in the OP. Maybe, we have to wait until and if it is built. :slight_smile:

6

I hope it’s a banner that reads, “Just Kidding! Here’s a picture of our actual submission…”

7

Some sort of footbridge connecting the two? The description gives zero detail:

http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/wtc_site/new_design_plans/firm_e/default.asp

8

Jesus, what horrible, crappy, vile designs. In my heart of hearts, I was hoping they’d come to their senses and use the Gaudi design, after all . . .

9

Here you go: it’s a museum.

http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/wtc_site/new_design_plans/firm_e/slides/slide41.asp

The two towers are actually bridged at 3 points.

10

It’s a viewing platform, too.

http://www.renewnyc.com/plan_des_dev/wtc_site/new_design_plans/firm_e/slides/slide47.asp

Basically, you have these big, empty tinkertoy structures that have a few “modules” nestled among them at various points.

11

From the architects’ press kit:

The press kit is available as a PDF file here.

12

This is interesting, from the next slide:

Um, no, it wouldn’t. I understand the numerical significance of 1776, but that would make it shorter than the CN Tower (1,815 feet.) I hope they realize that before they print the brochures.

So not only have they come up with ugly designs, but they’ve done so little research that they think they’re planning the world’s tallent structure when they’re going to end up 40 feet short. Jesus.

13

Thanks for the answers, folks. I thought it was a big piece of tissue paper. I agree that both the finalists designs look terrible. Why build anything there? How about a park with a memorial?

14

The master speaks re: the CN Tower. And, for the record, most “top 10 lists” of tall buildings tend to agree.

15

He’s got a point. The blurb isn’t saying the tallest BUILDING, it’s saying the tallest STRUCTURE. The CN tower is debateably not a building (but let’s not have the debate again). However, you can’t argue that it’s not a structure, and a free-standing one at that.

16

BTW, I mention free-standing because there is a TV tower in North Dakota that beats the CN tower, but has guy wires. There was a TV tower in Poland that beat it the one in North Dakota, but the thing fell over. And an Australian power company is planning to build a 3300 foot power generation tower in the outback, which will dwarf anything in all categories:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/2628361.stm

17

Sorry…opinion…cant resist… I agree Eve. The Gaudi is clearly the best design, but maybe 100 years on it is still to ahead of its time. The Sydney Opera House was nearly not built because it was too ‘out there’ - but no one would knock it now. Please pick the Gaudi for NY’s sake.

ok thats out of my system now.

18

Better pic of the “ribbon” here

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?g=events/ts/121802wtcplans&a=&tmpl=sl&ns=&l=1&e=17&a=0&t=

19

Another vote for the cool Gaudi design. Eve, you are a bastion of taste and insight. I salute you.

astro, thanks for the better view of that P.T. Barnumesque spectacle.

20

Oh, I see, they chose the two worst designs. Way to go LMDC! Way to go!

Jerks.