Lower Manhattan, New York
The Building
Base: a "big roof" space, a "collector" easily read as an identifiable place. With its major orientation toward Church Street, it contains multiple public functions on four levels: -2: Commuter train platforms -1: Subway platforms 0: Station, shopping, cultural spaces, building lobbies +1: Shopping, bridge to WFC.
Memorial: a precinct that occupies the roof of the Base and extends into a larger outer precint designated as a Memorial Zone.
Towers: Three tall ones and one short, terminating at different heights to create a dynamic skyline profile. The scale of the lowest tower is related to that of of St. Paul's Chapel and Trinity Church. The towers are separated by "cracks" the width of city streets that allow for natural light and views, and reinforce the relationship to urban fabric. SW Tower: offices, satellite station; NW Tower: offices, residential, hotel, observation deck; NE Tower: offices, live / work spaces; SE Tower: visitor center, signage. Atrium / Bridges: elevator sky-lobbies connect the buildings functionally, create public spaces with city views, and serve as additional means of egress. They contain public functions: shopping, hotel and apartment lobbies, meeting facilities, restaurants, etc.