The "Six Peaks" Story Soon after 9/11, the debate had already begun about what should be built on the former WTC site. Having been a frequent visitor to the the World Trade Center and also witnessing the scene of devastation (click here for Ground Zero visit) a month after the attacks, I attempted to heal some personal wounds with my own optimistic rendering of the future. I came up with a plan called "Six Peaks". I created the architectural models in Lightwave 3D and Photoshop. I discovered a web site called "rebuildthetowers" (now off-line) which requested design submissions from the public for an architectural design incorporating a memorial as well as office and retail space. I posted the image, received a few kind comments, then forgot about it. I never submitted the "Six Peaks" design to any official competition or design review. I just did it for myself, and maybe to help start a dialog about what should be rebuilt on that contested piece of real estate. A few months later my "Six Peaks" design would become the catalyst for an interesting and rewarding collaboration.
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The "Six Peaks" Description and Renderings I created the "Six Peaks" design in early October of 2001, giving consideration to the long term emotional and psychological impact 9/11 had on most people. Many people, including myself, want something high and grand rebuilt on Ground Zero. But how many of those same people would now want to work in a box 1000 feet above the city streets? |
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Many of the aspects of this design are based on my concerns if I was required to live and work in a skyscraper. The primary spire would have office space that reached no higher than 70 storeys, with the remainder of the spire being a sculptural element reaching higher than the original World Trade Center. This would serve as the memorial and would be brilliantly illuminated at night. The tapered spires would be more stable both structurally and psychologically. I also gave each floor a ledge with ladder elements which could serve as an alternate fire escape. The buildings would be connected by "sky bridges" at the 30th storey. These would integrate the structures and serve as another means of quick evacuation. At the base of the spires would be a large cultural building dedicated as museum and memorial space. Other lower buildings would serve as office and retail space. The footprints of the original Twin Towers would be preserved as green spaces for quiet reflection. |
