The Oculus

The Oculus

The Oculus is a striking architectural and cultural landmark located at the World Trade Center site in New York City. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, this iconic structure, opened in 2016, serves as a major transit hub for PATH trains and connects to multiple NYC subway lines, serving over 250,000 daily commuters. Its distinctive design, resembling a dove or a ribbed skeleton, symbolizing New York City’s resilience and rebirth following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The project, costing $4 billion, faced controversy for budget overruns and delays but remains a striking landmark near the 9/11 Memorial.

The Oculus was envisioned to resemble a dove being released from a child’s hands, with its white steel ribs reaching upward and outward. This design symbolizes peace and hope, reinforcing its role as a memorial to the 9/11 attacks. The building’s central skylight aligns with the sun’s solar angles on September 11 each year, allowing sunlight to illuminate the main hall at key moments associated with the timeline of the attacks. This feature, known as the “Way of Light,” commemorates the tragedy while offering a sense of renewal.