oculus
ICON #21
Oculus
A ray of remembrance:
The Oculus's Hidden Astronomical Secret
ICON #21
In Lower Manhattan, where stainless steel and glass define the skyline, the Oculus performs an annual solar tribute. For 102 seconds each September 11th, this transportation hub transforms into a precisely aligned solar calendar, its skylight casting a poignant ray across its marble floor at 10:28 AM—the exact moment the North Tower fell. This celestial phenomenon, made possible by the structure's innovative design and materials like sustainable stainless steel, reveals architect Santiago Calatrava's hidden homage to a day that changed New York forever.
This carefully selected steel alloy, known for its strength and high recycled content, enables the building's dramatic curves while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The steel's durability ensures the Oculus will stand for generations, with its components remaining recyclable far into the future.
Calatrava's design leverages this sustainable stainless steel to create more than just a visual spectacle. The structure's precise engineering ensures that on each anniversary, sunlight pierces the central skylight, creating a 102-second path of illumination—a fleeting yet powerful memorial.
The Oculus, resembling a dove in flight, stands as a testament to both remembrance and sustainability. Its iconic form is crafted from over 11,500 tons of high-performance, sustainable steel—a material choice that speaks to longevity and environmental responsibility.
This carefully selected steel alloy, known for its strength and high recycled content, enables the building's dramatic curves while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The steel's durability ensures the Oculus will stand for generations, with its components remaining recyclable far into the future.
Calatrava's design leverages this sustainable stainless steel to create more than just a visual spectacle. The structure's precise engineering ensures that on each anniversary, sunlight pierces the central skylight, creating a 102-second path of illumination—a fleeting yet powerful memorial.
The Oculus, resembling a dove in flight, stands as a testament to both remembrance and sustainability. Its iconic form is crafted from over 11,500 tons of high-performance, sustainable steel—a material choice that speaks to longevity and environmental responsibility.
The Oculus's sustainable steel framework does double duty, supporting both its memorial function and its environmental performance. The steel's strength allows for a design that maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial systems. An adjustable skylight, made possible by the steel structure, further enhances energy efficiency.
As climate change concerns mount, the Oculus exemplifies how sustainable materials can create buildings that are both iconic and environmentally conscious. It's a dynamic space that responds to its environment, minimizing its ecological footprint while serving as a functional transit hub and shopping center.
In essence, the Oculus transcends its physical role. It's a timekeeper of tragedy and hope, a showcase of sustainable architecture, and a testament to New York's enduring spirit. Its hidden astronomical secret, enabled by sustainable steel, reminds us that even in our bustling lives, moments of profound connection to our past and future can emerge—supported by the silent strength of innovative, sustainable construction.
The Oculus's sustainable steel framework does double duty, supporting both its memorial function and its environmental performance. The steel's strength allows for a design that maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial systems. An adjustable skylight, made possible by the steel structure, further enhances energy efficiency.
As climate change concerns mount, the Oculus exemplifies how sustainable materials can create buildings that are both iconic and environmentally conscious. It's a dynamic space that responds to its environment, minimizing its ecological footprint while serving as a functional transit hub and shopping center.
In essence, the Oculus transcends its physical role. It's a timekeeper of tragedy and hope, a showcase of sustainable architecture, and a testament to New York's enduring spirit. Its hidden astronomical secret, enabled by sustainable steel, reminds us that even in our bustling lives, moments of profound connection to our past and future can emerge—supported by the silent strength of innovative, sustainable construction.
Icon
oculus
Location
NEW YORK, USA
Year of construction
2016
Architect
Santiago Calatrava
Material
High-performance steel alloy with high recycled content with the of grade Forta LDX 2101
FORTA LDX 2101Challenge
HOW To create a transportation hub that serves as both a functional space and an iconic memorial to 9/11
Solution
Sustainable Outokumpu Stainless Steel for cladding and interior elements, ensuring both strength and a high-quality finish.
Impact
sustainable, iconic architecture with multiple societal purposes
Stay up-to-date on industry insights, product news,
events and technical articles.