World Trade Centre Transportation Hub

The Hub was designed and built by Santiago Calatrava for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Serving as a conduit for the World Trade Center site’s surrounding building and underground networks – including the New York City Subway and New Jersey PATH trains it welcomes 250,000 commuters each day.

The structure’s bird-like form emerges from the New York skyline in a tapestry of steel and glass, bringing hope to the historic site. The space below ground is defined by a vast, naturally-lit, open plan and a skylight that arcs through the extent of the space, opening each year on September 11.

Richard worked alongside Calatrava at a critical stage in the project: he headed the studio’s building workshop, which took charge of all physical and digital 3D studies.

Project details

Client:
New York Port Authority

Location:
New York

Categories:
Concept, Design, Construction

Timeline:
2009 — 2012

The complexity of the project combined with Calatrava’s sculptural mastery meant that the design was difficult to visualise in two-dimensional drawing. 3D studies thus became elemental in the project process. Models enhanced problem solving techniques and helped the studio consider how materials could be formed, folded, poured, and cast. Much of the decision-making for the project took place during this empirical process, with the 3D analysis frequently leading to alterations, improvements, and entirely new design directions.

Throughout the design phases, sketches and drawings were rapidly re-interpreted into hand-made forms, while detailed iterations were created through digital and parametric studies that developed into precise physical models at different scales. This experimental and analytical approach was central to moving the project forward into the construction phase. Additionally, the 3D studies proved invaluable in guiding client meetings and presentations. The World Trade Center Transportation Hub opened in Lower Manhattan, New York on March 3rd, 2016. Helping to redefine the city’s urban fabric following the events of 9/11, this remains one of the most significant projects in modern American history.