The Oculus

A future visit to New York should include a trip downtown to see the newly opened Oculus, the long overdue, greatly over-budget transportation center next to the World Trade Center.  ("Oculus" defined: an opening at the apex of dome.)

The Oculus (computer rendering)

When the WTC was destroyed in 2001, the transportation infrastructure in the area was likewise destroyed.  Temporary stations for subway trains, PATH trains and ferries were built and re-built.  A long-term solution was proposed and the Oculus, a new, mixed-use transportation hub was conceived, designed and built.  Construction delays and cost overruns have been a concern. 

For us, the focus is less on delay and cost (which are important) and more on the beauty and meaning of the Oculus.  To us, the Oculus represents both a beautiful bird taking flight and the incredible resilience of our civilization.  From nearly every angle, the arms straining skyward look like the wings of a bird emerging from the ground and lifting into the air.  (Up close, the white ribs also look like a mythic Moby Dick whose skeleton has beached on land.)

The Oculus also represents resilience.  New York, the entire U.S. and much of the world suffered greatly in 2001 and since.  Despite widespread injury and pain, our world has marched on --rebuilding and recovering.  The erection of the Oculus is part of that recovery.  It is located next to the 9/11 Memorial and the new One World Trade Center, or Freedom Tower, standing 1,776 feet tall.  While concerns about use of resources are valid, the Oculus will have a positive impact on New Yorkers far and wide, being much more than a transportation hub.

          “The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead we have become

          stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic,

          and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more determined than

          ever to live our lives in freedom.” –Rudy Giuliani

If you want to learn more about the Oculus, click here.

The Oculus, nearing completion

A descripton of the Oculus:  "a bird being released from a child's hand"

The Oculus, interior, looking through the rooftop at One WTC (3/4/2016, opening day)

 

The Oculus, interior, looking toward the east end with flying escalator (3/4/2016, opening day)

The Oculus, posing on opening day

Poster for the 9/11 Memorial (2016)

P.S.  When the Eiffel Tower was first proposed, some French artists and intellectual criticized the idea and design. I guess they missed the boat.