Libeskind's design has been toned down
Posted on 07/04/2004 9:44:05 AM PDT by MadIvan
Libeskind's design has been toned down |
A 20-ton block of granite was laid as a cornerstone of the Freedom Tower, which is planned to be the tallest building in the world at 1,776 feet (541m).
Its height reflects the date of US independence, while the ceremony was held on Independence Day.
But the final look of the building, due for completion by 2009, is uncertain.
Symbolism
New York's mayor said he could not imagine a more appropriate day for the ceremony.
"The cause of liberty can never be defeated," Michael Bloomberg said in remarks at Ground Zero.
New York Governor George Pataki said the tower would replicate that "great lady of liberty" - and stand as a "new symbol of American strength and confidence".
The project, designed by visionary architect Daniel Libeskind, has been mired in controversy.
Initial replacement designs put forward by the body which controls the site were greeted with disappointment by the public.
Anger at the perceived blandness of the proposals provoked a second competition to provide a master plan, which was won last February by Mr Libeskind.
| WORLD TRADE CENTER SITE TIMELINE |
| July 2002: Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) releases six initial design concepts and, in following months, launches global search for design and planning professionals December 2002: LMDC releases nine initial designs and launches outreach campaign to engage public in planning process February 2003: Memory Foundations by Studio Daniel Libeskind selected as plan September 2003: Release of refined master site plan |
But the boldness of Mr Libeskind's original proposals have been toned down in what BBC arts correspondent Lawrence Pollard describes as a classic collision of commerce, practicality and vision.
The lead architect hired by the leaseholder and developer Larry Silverstein has made changes to Mr Libeskind's design for the tower.
While the height and spire remain, the latest plans replace Mr Libeskind's "gardens in the sky" with windmills in an open area at the top.
"Happily, I am still intensively and fully engaged as the master planner for ground zero," Mr Libeskind wrote in a letter published on 27 June in The New York Times in reaction to an article titled, "The Incredible Shrinking Daniel Libeskind".
'A priceless piece'
The BBC's Stephen Evans in New York says a change of plan was inevitable.
Our correspondent says Ground Zero is many things - a mass grave, a field of memories, a political symbol - but it is also prime real estate at the heart of the financial capital of the world.
 The foundation "footprint" has been a source of much contention |
And victims' relatives argue that construction will damage the footprint, or foundations, of the twin towers and the steel-enforced concrete "slurry wall", which encased them.
"This is a priceless piece of our American history," said Anthony Gardner, a Coalition of 9/11 Families member whose brother was killed.
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
"Windmills" instead of "gardens in the sky" -- who cares, just build it already.
And victims' relatives argue that construction will damage the footprint, or foundations, of the twin towers and the steel-enforced concrete "slurry wall", which encased them. "This is a priceless piece of our American history," said Anthony Gardner, a Coalition of 9/11 Families member whose brother was killed.
Sorry. The priceless history of this site is "prime real estate at the heart of the financial capital of the world". It should not be a site for endless mourning.
Just build it already.
Why all the hostility towards this plan? I think a 1,776 foot tower is a great idea. Much better than building a grim memorial. I think the building's design will grow on us eventually. It should be mentioned that when the Twin Towers were going up back in the early 1970s, many people grumbled at that design also.
.
3 Offers to send us OSAMA during the 1990's =
3 Offers refused by CLINTON during the 1990's =
Remember the Lost and Suffering on September 11, 2001
http://www.TheAlamoFILM.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=33
.
Hey Ivan there was History Channel special about this 9/11 design you saw original drawing that pretty cool very sci-fi
Hey Ivan there was History Channel special about this 9/11 design you saw original drawing that pretty cool very sci-fi
Regards, Ivan
Couldn't agree with you more. Build it already. And we'll applaud every inch on the way up.
It's time for the coalition of the families to SHUT UP!
Understatement of the year. That "lower payout" was a full 50% reduction from what Silverstein was expecting. They don't have the money to build this monstrosity, and nobody wants it except Liebskind and the Port Authority.
Why don't they just do what everyone wants and rebuild the WTC using modern construction methods? A BBC radio reporter was at Ground Zero yesterday and said that everyone he asked who lives and works in the neighborhood wants a rebuild, without any sanctimonious "memorial" BS.
Thanks Jacqui. I hope all is well down under, in Australia. :)
Well, I sure prefer midwinter here in South-East Queensland to midwinter in New England, that's for sure! The night I went to NYC in early 2003 was bitterly cold. I couldn't help thinking how it was summer Down Under...
Now the tables are reversed again, and I just hope it's not too humid where you are. God bless America, and keep BOTH our countries from socialist governments at the next Federal elections...
I agree. These people will NEVER be happy regardless of what is done with the WTC site.
After all that's been done to compensate and accommodate them since 9-11, I am frankly tired of their demands and attitude of personal entitlement. It's wearing thin.
Actually heard a family member insist that the remains of the victims are still there at the site and NOTHING should be built there.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.