The World Trade Center Complex

Construction and Collapse of the Twin Towers

Construction on the World Trade Center complex began in the early 1970s. The South Tower was constructed in 1976. The North Tower followed two years later. But the exact details are still fuzzy. Researchers believe the twin towers collapsed due to different structural systems. Currently, they are trying to figure out which of the two towers collapsed first.

Overview of the World Trade Center Complex

Construction of the World Trade Center complex began in 1970.

The World Trade Center complex is a complex of seven buildings spread over 16 acres. It was built by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The twin towers, One and Two World Trade Center, were the centerpiece of the complex. They were 100 feet taller than the Empire State Building.

Selection and Plans for the World Trade Center Site

The initial plans for the World Trade Center complex centered on a site on the east side of Lower Manhattan. This location was selected after the Port Authority purchased the decrepit Hudson and Manhattan Railroad and the adjacent buildings. The Port Authority decided to use the site as the site for the World Trade Center.

Controversy and Design Features of the Twin Towers

The original plan for the complex included United Nations inspired structures. The World Trade Center complex replaced a dense neighborhood in Manhattan and disrupted the already complex traffic network. Lewis Mumford denounced the project in his book, "The Pentagon of Power," calling it "purposeless giantism" and "technological exhibitionism." Mr. Yamasaki, on the other hand, saw it as a focal point of serenity in the city. Many residents, however, disliked the narrow windows that obstructed their views.

The two towers of the World Trade Center complex were completed in the 1970s. Both the South and North Towers used innovative drywall systems and steel cores. They were 1368 and 1362 feet tall and 110 stories high, soaring well above the Empire State Building and the Pentagon. They opened in 1973.

Significance and Symbolism of the World Trade Center

The Port Authority's intentions for the building were grand and ambitious. It was envisioned as a symbol of the free world after World War II. Originally, Post War America was expected to be focused on battle ideals, but it soon became a global market, and the towers were meant to reflect that. The towers were a showcase for the new outlook on international trade and the new way the world did business. The towers were designed to house some of the world's wealthiest businessmen and economists.

The North Tower: Tallest and First Completed

The North Tower was completed a year before the other two towers. It is a landmark in Manhattan and a symbol of New York. It is the tallest building in the world. It stands at a height of 1,776 feet and is surrounded by the New York skyline. The building has a reflecting pool in its lobby.

The North Tower was conceived of as a symbol of world trade and capitalism. Its construction, however, was not without controversy. The Port Authority was criticized for its construction and the safety of the towers. However, the Port Authority was able to get the construction permits that it needed and won the court cases. As a result, the World Trade Center became the largest urban development project in history.

One World Trade Center: Tallest Building in the Western Hemisphere

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It was completed in May 2013 and opened to the public in November 2014. It is now the tallest building in the world.

Construction of the South Tower and Tenants of the World Trade Center

Construction of the South Tower began in 1976.

Morgan Stanley was the biggest tenant of the World Trade Center, with approximately 2,500 employees in the South Tower and 1,000 in the North Tower. The site was then turned over to Silverstein Properties. Construction of the North Tower began in August 1968, and the South Tower began in January 1969. During construction, the original Hudson Tubes were still in use, allowing PATH trains to come and go. These elevated tunnels were in use until 1971.

Design Features and Popular Attractions of the Twin Towers

The towers were designed to sway at a maximum of three feet each in either direction. This was accomplished through the use of a steel-reinforced concrete framework with 152 segments of 22-foot width. These segments formed the water-tight perimeter wall between the two towers.

The South Tower Observation Deck opened in December 1975. It took eight years to complete. It could be viewed from 45 miles away. In addition, the Observation Deck on the 107th floor of the tower was completed. In December 1975, this was the world's highest outdoor observatory. It received 1.8 million visitors a year.

Renovations and Post-Construction Incidents

After the World Trade Center tragedy in 2001, the South Tower underwent significant renovations. In 1977, a reflecting pool was built in the South Tower in memory of the victims. A reflection pool was installed under the building in honor of those who had died. In addition, a three-man crew gained access to the World Trade Center. This crew then stole $2 million in cash from the North Tower's Bank of America delivery truck. The crew was eventually caught, and one of the perpetrators, Ralph Guarino, later became an FBI informant.