The Oculus Center, an eye-catching modern commercial complex in Lower Manhattan, is a perfect destination for those who want to explore world-class shopping, dining, cultural experiences and a state-of-the-art transit hub. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish architect, the Oculus Center has become one of the most iconic buildings in New York City.
Description and Location of the Oculus Center
The Oculus Center, which opened in 2016, is located at the intersection of Vesey Street and Church Street. The building is situated on the same site as the original World Trade Center Twin Towers.
The Oculus Center is a transportation hub that serves as both a subway station and a shopping center. The transit hub connects different parts of New York City, including the PATH train, subway lines, and the World Trade Center’s office towers.
The Oculus Center is constructed of an elliptical dome shaped like a dove in flight, and its exterior is supported by steel ribs. The building’s roof is covered with white glass fiber-reinforced panels that let in natural daylight, while the building’s facade is made of Italian marble.
The building’s lobby is a wide and open space, with shops and restaurants on either side.
Architect and Design of the Oculus Building
The Oculus Center was designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the most well-known architects in the world. The structure of the building consists of a steel frame that supports the elliptical roof.
The exterior of the building is meant to resemble a bird in flight, with the steel ribs supporting the glass ceilings of the building. Calatrava was inspired by the design of giant bird wings for his work in creating the Oculus Center.
He felt that the representation of flight makes the space feel expansive and airy. The ellipse structure of the building is meant to reflect peace and harmony, which is why its design is intended to resemble a white dove in flight.
Calatrava has been very successful in creating an architectural wonder with this building.
Transportation Revamp and Development Initiatives
The history of the Oculus Center is linked to the events of September 11th, 2001, when the World Trade Center was destroyed by terrorists. The transportation system in Lower Manhattan, which had relied on the Whitehall Street terminal and the Fulton Center, had been significantly disrupted by the attacks.
The development of the Oculus Center was part of a broader initiative aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and revitalizing the economy of the area after the attacks. The west and east sides of the station were meant to restore the connection between the Financial District and the surrounding areas.
The West Side Highway was reconstructed as a part of these efforts.
Design Changes and Construction Process
The design of the Oculus Center was originally developed by Daniel Libeskind as part of the redevelopment plans for the World Trade Center site. The original design featured four office towers that encircled the Freedom Tower.
In 2004, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that a new transportation hub would be built at the site of the old PATH station. The above-ground station was designed by Calatrava, who introduced sweeping curved structures, an east-west concourse, and a skylight that would allow sunlight to flood the space.
Construction of the Oculus Center was initially scheduled to be completed by 2009, but it faced considerable delays, increasing costs, and controversies. The final cost of the project is estimated at over $4 billion, and it was completed in 2016, seven years overdue.
In conclusion, the Oculus Center is a stunning architectural marvel located in Lower Manhattan, serving as a transport hub and a shopping center. This modern building, chiseled by Santiago Calatrava’s imagination and inspiration, is not only an icon of New York City’s skyline but also a symbol of recovery and rebirth after the devastating events of 9/11.
Opening and Reception of the Oculus Architecture
The Oculus Center opened partially in 2016, allowing public access to the Westfield World Trade Center Mall. The mall is situated on two levels, with an underground connection to the subway station.
The mall has a large food court and a shopping area, with many major stores located there. The Oculus Center is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors drawn to the vast open room and striking architecture.
However, shortly after the opening, parts of the Oculus Center had to be closed due to structural damage. The mezzanine’s bathrooms were closed due to water leaks, and the skylight also suffered damage.
Despite these setbacks, the Oculus Center is still a significant addition to the area and has brought an exciting cultural dimension to Lower Manhattan.
Critical Reception and Design Evaluation
Architecture critics have praised the design of the Oculus Center and consider it as one of the most admired landmarks of 21st-century architecture. Critics note that the skylight in the Oculus Center, which opens and closes throughout the day, allows visitors to experience the spiritual dimension of light in a unique way.
The open and airy space of the building is reminiscent of Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, with its vast open room and wings of steel. The blend of form and functionality is also impressive, with the building’s design serving as both a symbol of hope and a practical solution to the area’s transportation challenges.
The building’s architectural style serves as a cultural addition to the area, offering a space for exhibitions, photographs, and meetings to take place. However, some critics criticize the security concerns related to the building’s design, suggest that the design faults, especially the leaks, reflect the emphasis on form over function.
Notable Features and Architects of the Oculus Center
The Oculus Center’s most notable features include its vast open room, skylight, shopping area, food court, and public meeting spaces. The building also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Spanish architect and artist Santiago Calatrava designed the Oculus Center. Calatrava is recognized for his fusion of engineering and aesthetics in his work, with sculptural shapes that are reminiscent of the natural world.
Calatrava’s architectural achievements include high-profile projects such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Alamillo Bridge in Seville, Spain. The Oculus Center is one of Calatrava’s most significant works and has garnered him numerous awards for its design and innovation.
The building’s elliptical dome design and steel wings are instantly recognisable and have become an iconic part of the New York City skyline. Calatrava’s vision for the building allowed him to combine art with engineering, creating one of the most innovative and unique structures in the world.
In conclusion, the Oculus Center has become an iconic landmark in New York City since its opening in 2016, serving both as a transportation hub and a cultural haven. Despite its early setbacks, the building has received widespread critical acclaim, highlighting its unique architecture, blending of form and function, and Santiago Calatrava’s innovative design.
The Oculus Center is a testament to the resilience of Lower Manhattan since 9/11, providing a place for visitors to learn and experience the city’s bright future.
Controversy and Cost of the Oculus Center
The construction of the Oculus Center was plagued with controversies and cost overruns, making it one of the most expensive transit stations in the world. The delays and excessive cost have been a subject of controversy, while the funding and oversight authorities have come under scrutiny.
Delay and Excessive Cost
The project was initially estimated to cost $3.2 billion but ended up costing $3.9 billion, with some estimates suggesting the total costs may have been much higher, up to $5 billion. The high cost of the station raised public concern about the allocation of public funds and the apparent lack of oversight on expenses.
The construction of the Oculus Center had taken seven years longer than anticipated, causing enormous frustration among commuters and New York City residents. The lengthy delays and cost overruns have been attributed to several factors, including the complexity of the construction contract and the unique design of the building.
Reports suggest that the specifications of the construction contract made it harder for contractors to bid, leading to a limited number of bids, which drove the cost of the contract up. The unique design of the Oculus Center also presented a significant challenge for construction contractors, leading to additional costs and delays.
Funding and Oversight
The funding for the Oculus Center came from various sources, including the Federal Transit Administration and Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. However, there has been criticism of the distribution of funds and the oversight of expenditures for the project.
The Federal Transit Administration allocated $2.8 billion for the project, with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation contributing an additional $500 million to the project. There have been concerns about how the funds were allocated and the subcontracts awarded for the project.
The construction of the Oculus Center was subject to a host of subcontracts, making the project more expensive. Reports suggest that the subcontracts awarded for the project were not transparent, leading to allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds.
In conclusion, the construction of the Oculus Center was clouded with controversies and cost overruns that made it one of the most expensive transit stations in the world. The funding of the project and the oversight of expenditures have come under scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds.
While the Oculus Center is a remarkable addition to the New York City skyline, it has raised questions about the efficiency of public projects and the accountability of public officials. In conclusion, the Oculus Center in Lower Manhattan has captivated the world with its iconic design and functional purpose.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this architectural marvel stands as a symbol of resilience and revitalization in the wake of the September 11 attacks. While the Oculus Center has received praise for its unique design and cultural contributions, it has also faced controversies surrounding delays, excessive costs, and issues with funding and oversight.
Nevertheless, the Oculus Center remains an important landmark that showcases the fusion of engineering and aesthetics, reminding us of the power of architecture to shape and transform our urban landscapes.