One World Trade Center

One World Trade Center

Ever since the terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the collapse of the 2 World Trade Center's, proposals have been in the process for a future building. As of April 26, 2006 the footings and foundation of this enormous building have been set and are in place. The construction of the Freedom Tower, renamed as of March 30, 2009 to the, One World Trade Center is set for completion in 2013. This 105 story building will be the tallest building in the United States standing at 1776 ft. representing the year of our American Independence.


To satisfy the regulations of the New York City Police Department, a 187 foot deep concrete base was added to the structure. The design of this base was calculated to resist a truck bomb if there were ever a terrorist attack from the ground. This building will have 2,600,000 square feet of office space, as well as an observation deck, parking, broadcast and antenna facilities. The first 200 feet will be the main lobby and mechanical utility space for the building itself. The next 69 floors are going to be used for tenant offices, totaling the building up to 1,150 feet. The next floors rising up to 1,362 feet, are accumulated by mechanical as well as observation floors for the great scenery of the New York Skyline. A 6 foot glass barrier surrounds the rooftop, extending to the original height of the Twin Towers. A multi-cable supported antenna rises to 1,776 feet symbolizing the United States Declaration of Independence being signed. On the top of this antenna flashed a beacon, that New York is welcoming all new-comers.


The new design starts off from the base and slowly, but surely the one square edge chamfers back creating a triangular top, as seen in the picture above. The building incorporates all the latest and new technology from renewable energy to building safety. The building uses structural redundancy to dense fireproofing and bio-chemicals filters. The stair-wells are now pressurized and extra wide for in-case of an emergency people are able to evacuate faster and more efficiently. The building integrates renewable energy, interior day-lighting, the reuse of rainwater, and also the recycled construction debris from the collapse of the twin towers. There are multiple backups on all emergency lighting and concrete protection for all sprinklers to ensure optimal firefighter access.


As you can see the building of this massive project has all the forms of Civil Engineering, from the Geo-technical ground work with the forms, to the structural concept showing the unique design. This building has Environmental Engineers working with other designers on using renewable energy as well as recycling the used debris, and the sunlight for lights during the daytime. Finally transportation engineers that tie the below grade 55,000 square foot retail space to the underground subway. 


References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_World_Trade_Center
http://www.wtc.com/about/freedom-tower