Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, built the new World Trade Center transportation hub, known as the Oculus, which was opened in September of 2016. Linking the World Trade Center to the subway and PATH makes for a much easier way to get into the area. With one of the most eye-catching designs, the Oculus is “said to resemble a bird being released from a child’s hand. The roof was originally designed to mechanically open to increase light and ventilation to the enclosed space” His ‘rib-cage’ design was deemed unsafe and reformed in 2008. The center of the roof of the Oculus is a glass window that is located under National September 11 memorial plaza. It is truly breathtaking to stand in the center of the Oculus for you get the feeling that everything is coming out from the ground and up to the roof because of the design. Although still criticized, the design of the Oculus is modern and sleek. 

As described by Hebery Muschamp, a New York Times architectural critic, “Santiago Calatrava's design for the World Trade Center PATH station should satisfy those who believe that buildings planned for ground zero must aspire to a spiritual dimension. Over the years, many people have discerned a metaphysical element in Mr. Calatrava's work.

Originally this terminal station was known as the Hudson Terminal. In it’s time the Hudson Terminal was considered innovative and modern. The easy movement in and out of the station was a distinctive feature of the station, especially when considering the amount of people traveling through this area. The Hudson Terminal eventually become the World Trade Center when the New York Port Authority proposed such an idea in the 1950’s. The World Trade center was built in a different location from the Hudson Terminal— lower Manhattan. This was opened on July 6, 1971. However, after the 9/11 the World Trade Center and the station experienced significant damage. The ceiling of the World Trade Center station collapsed and many people were left trapped inside. The station was destroyed. A temporary station, designed by Robert I. Davidson, was put in place to provide transportation. His designs in the station, such as the panel walls, blocked the World Tarde Center. 

OCULUS