So the controversy seems to still be raging on about the replacement of the World Trade Center towers destroyed in the September 11 attacks. Many, especially the families of those lost in the collapse of the buildings, despise the design of the Freedom Tower, and development of the surrounding area and would rather see the original towers rebuilt.I happened to catch a David Schuster interview of Ken Gardner, the structural engineer for the WTC Towers II, yesterday and I agree with the fundamentals of his argument. According to Gardner, the towers were singled out due to their iconic status and what they symbolize to the United States: belief in humanity, need for individual dignity and beliefs in the cooperation of men. So to rebuild the towers exactly the same, except with increased structural strength, evacuation design and a few others, would be the best "thumb in the eye" to Bin Laden. The building was sufficient for its program when it stood so why not rebuild it as it was?
The unofficial proposals, by architect Herbert Belton, for the new and improved Twin Towers as it were retains the original facade, which mimic the upward flow of columns but will have larger windows at 40 inches wide. Each tower will be 500 meters (1515 ft) tall at roof level, nearly 100 metres (330 ft) taller than the originals giving a floor count of 125 floors and a gross floor area of 26,247,000 square feet making more of a symbolic statement.
What is a little confusing to me is the fact that the foundations for the freedom tower have already been started and steel bracings have already topped at least 30 feet. Now the structural design of the original Twin Towers and the freedom tower are nowhere near similar so it is highly improbable that if the proposal to rebuild the original towers were somehow approved, they could be built on the current foundations in place now. So then, what really is being proposed here? That the Freedom Tower foundations be dynamited and rebuilding started all over again?
I think that though it would be nice to see the towers rebuilt, it is a little too late now so all supports of this proposal should give up and just let go. Also, we should not be too hasty to merely wish to reassert the symbol of the towers as we would risk losing the human reality that was also destroyed. The shattering of communities and the destruction of real, human beings with names and families, and not of millions of tons of concrete and steel. To not rebuild the Twin Towers, basically continuing with the Freedom Tower, will always remind us of what was once there and the human lives that were lost. Herbert Belton and Ken Gardner's proposals to rebuild the Towers introduces the risk of us forgetting this.
5 comments:
I appreciate your thoughtful analysis, but your conclusion didn't follow. You will find New Yorkers who will suggest the same thing and say that "real" New Yorkers would agree, but don't believe it. This is the most recent comment that was left on the Twin Towers Alliance site overnight -- see if you don't want to revise your conclusion after reading it:
My father is retired FDNY. Many of our friends died that day. My aunt was on the 93rd floor. Growing up in Staten Island, I always loved the sight of the Towers when I looked at the City. Every time I pass the site where the twins were, I feel anger and rage. Those animals stole a part of my heritage. The Twin Towers were like the Grand Canyon, no picture or book could ever capture its awe-inspiring emotion. Rebuild the Twin Towers. -- John Sorrentino
It's not too late for new Twin Towers. We can save billions and cut years off the project, because it would be a much more efficient plan to build. When completed it would be far more valuable real estate. But the most important reason by far is the boost it would give this city, this country, and this world. We can't afford not to rebuild the Twin Towers. This is anything but over.
I appreciate your input on this subject and thank you for adding the comment left on the site. No one can truly understand the magnitude of the loss like a family member of one of the victims.
However, I feel that the "anger and rage" is good! Let us always feel it when we pass by and we won't forget our loved ones that died. Even if the Freedom tower gets built we will always know what it has replaced and it will be a symbol for generations to come.
I just think that rebuilding the towers as they once where will kind of fade that memory of the human loss. But I'm ok with however it goes really.
I'm glad I checked back. Twin Towers II has nothing to do with forty year-old towers except for the iconic silhouette. The design of these totally reengineered, 21st-century Twin Towers is far more exciting architecturally than what is being contemplated now. We are sure that when people realize how many misconceptions have been floated they will be quick to change their minds.
The other really important thing to stress is that there is a very realistic and creative transition plan that can retrofit much of the work that has been done to date -- and would even work in some of the procurements.
Either way, we are indeed looking at a symbol for generations to come and want the Trade Center to stand for the indomitable American spirit. Most people don't think there is much a contest over which plan would do that best.
Yes, I learned that the building will be of a triple concentric core system which will allow for a more sturdy structure and at the same time, make for column free space interiors. Hence the 6 story high lobby spaces!
When I spoke of rebuilding them as they were, I meant recreating the original elevations. That is what most of us will see anyway not all the innovative new designs within the building itself.
Anyway, if there is a plan to utilize the work that has been done so far then that will save valuable time and money. I look forward to seeing what comes from all the deliberations. I think we have wasted enough time already.
Hope is not lost. New York is not the only place the Twin Towers II can be built you know.
Look at www.TwinTowersii.com!
Post a Comment