The Best WTC Design: It's Not One Of The Finalists

"The primary function of the new site must be the primary function of the old" says Kai Thompson whose husband died at Ground Zero.

1 minute read

February 12, 2003, 7:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Ground Zero is my husband’s only tomb...When I try to envision the optimal future of Ground Zero, I return again and again to the challenge faced by architects: the reconciliation of form and function. Unfortunately, neither of the two teams of architects selected as finalists by rebuilding officials last week has the solution. For me, the primary function of the new site must be the primary function of the old. The World Trade Center was a thriving business center...Nothing would honor them more than a new generation of men and women going to work in an environment bustling with commerce."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 in Newsweek

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Colorado flags draped between buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns

City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.

January 9, 2025 - Governing

Destroyed Altadena Community Church facade after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.

UCLA Experts Offer Critical Support for LA Wildfire Response and Recovery

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers expert guidance on LA wildfire response and recovery, addressing critical issues like water safety, air quality, equitable rebuilding, and climate adaptation to promote resilience and sustainability.

1 hour ago - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Aerial view of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah with snow-capped mountains in background.

Salt Lake City to Get Five New Bus Lines

The service improvements come after a year of strong ridership growth.

2 hours ago - The Salt Lake Tribune

Close-up of person wearing Nike tennis shoe on Trinity Metro bike share e-bike.

Fort Worth Relaunches Bike Share Network

The system, operated by Lyft, is made up of primarily e-bikes.

3 hours ago - NBC DFW