This past September, architect David Childs held an intimate Q & A session with members of the press attending the Cersaie 2010 exhibition of ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings in Bologna, Italy. Much of the focus was on his plans for Ground Zero, specifically 1 World Trade Center (formerly named the Freedom Tower). Following the press conference, Childs gave a keynote lecture that included a more detailed presentation on the subject. 

Childs is currently Chairman Emeritus of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). A graduate of Deerfield Academy, Yale College and Yale School of Art and Architecture, his work for SOM began in 1971, when he joined its Washington, D.C. office. He then relocated to SOM’s New York City office in 1984. Some highlights among Childs’ portfolio include:

• National Geographic Headquarters (Washington, DC)

• U.S. News and World Report Headquarters (Washington, DC)

• The 1976 Washington Mall master plans and Constitution Gardens (Washington, DC)

• Time Warner Headquarters at Columbus Circle (New York, NY)

• Bear Stearns (now J.P. Morgan) headquarters (New York, NY)

• The master plan in Riverside South

Childs most recently completed 7 World Trade Center, and he is currently working on the design for 1 World Trade Center at the World Trade Center in New York City. He personally witnessed the attacks of September 11, 2001 from his office window in New York, and when a young designer asked him if he thought the towers would fall at the time, he responded, “No, not a structure like that.”

After the towers actually did fall, this presented Childs with some insight on how new structures should be built, and it also revealed to him how architecture has changed for the better since the original World Trade Center construction in 1965.

Q & A session

When asked about how he felt being faced with such a difficult project, Childs said that while “every project presents a new opportunity and a white sheet of paper,” there were a range of other factors involved. “Dealing with Ground Zero, something emotional, it becomes a critical moment,” he said. “The world is watching for your response.”

Childs went on say that he believes in individuals working with others to achieve more, and that this project certainly required more than just his planning. “Larry Silverstein, the client, thought I should do everything, but one of my conditions was to not do a repeat of the 1965 building, which was done by a single hand,” he said.

“We’re doing such a better job today as opposed to the original building in 1965,” Childs continued. “There’s a concern for how people live, culture, how pedestrians will view the new structure, how environmentally it’s affecting everyone, etc.”

During the discussion, a question was raised regarding whether or not it was correct to say that Childs is designing a piece of New York City and not just a building. “Today, many architects are concerned with how to create a solution for the planet,” said the architect. “Aesthetics are still important, just like a chair should look nice, but it should also be comfortable. With past architecture, the result was often uncomfortable and scale-less. I feel strongly that in many cases today, architects want to make great places - tying in culture, comfort, the environment, etc.”

Touching on environmental impact, questions were raised about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification goals Childs has in mind for 1 World Trade Center. “The building should provide a leadership role,” he said. “It will achieve Gold Certification, and perhaps Platinum. This will happen after the fact, though.”

Childs went on to say that the building will feature a water recycling system, sustainable energy use and sustainable materials, including stone and tile. The project has been ongoing for 10 years, and Childs explained that support has grown as time has progressed. “A good architect listens,” he said. “I knew everyone would have an opinion. Many said what I was doing was terrible, and I should leave the space empty. I didn’t agree. As time has evolved, these feelings have been recessed. Now, many feel this is a sign of resilience and honor to those who worked there.”

A more in-depth look

Before a larger audience, Childs continued his discussion of 1 World Trade Center with a presentation of his technical plans for the project. Much of the design focuses on sustainability and safety, while also providing a quality space for its tenants and visitors. “I wanted a sense of openness and light,” said Childs.

The building’s exterior facade will be glass, and the corners of the structure will be tapered rather than going straight from the bottom to top - allowing for more sunlight at any floor. The glass pieces for the facade will be installed as a curtain wall system to create a sense of “solidness.” Additionally, mechanical systems along the glass walls will allow fresh air to enter the building.

Meanwhile, the lobby at 1 World Trade Center will have multiple layers, and it will serve as an area for displays of artwork. Early renderings of the project have depicted the use of a white-colored marble for the lobby as well as below-grade public space, which would provide a neutral backdrop for the artwork.

Like the original Twin Towers, 1 World Trade Center will measure approximately 1,360 feet high, and with an antenna to transfer communication, the structure will reach 1,776 feet high - symbolizing the year the U.S. declared its independence. For Childs, the antenna represents freedom.

Regarding safety, Childs noted that the building will have triple-wide staircases and fire-proof elevators, among other elements. At the time of his presentation, construction for 1 World Trade Center was at 20 floors high.