The Oculus

The spiny edges of the Oculus frame One World Trade Center at center.

The Oculus is a train station, shopping mall and dramatic public space at the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City.

Designed to look like a peace dove in flight, it strikes me personally as a dinosaur skeleton. Whatever visual first impression it makes, its soaring form and pure white finish are symbols of hope and resurrection given its location.

It was designed by architect Santiago Calatrava who told Architectural Digest he was trying to emulate but not imitate the great public architecture of New York. To add a new piece to the list of places that define the city.

The Oculus opened to the public three years ago, 14 years after the September 11th attacks destroyed the Twin Towers and much of the area nearby.

Interior view.