This is what over $4 billion buys, but only if you’re willing to wait years past its construction deadline to see it finished…or nearly-finished.
This is the new transportation hub that is part of the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site in New York City. Ten years in construction, and costing twice the original estimate, it had its official opening in March, although so far you can only enter it from below. Those people in the picture aren’t there; they’re part of the artwork.
“Start Exploring” or “no trespassing”—take your choice…
Below this structure which, depending on your point of view, is the brilliant work of Spanish master Santiago Calatrava or an outrageous waste of money spent on an architect’s ego, is a subway station, where several lines meet, including the PATH line that runs to New Jersey.
Critics (I included) have felt that it’s out of scale and cost for its purpose, and draws none of its architectural cues from its surroundings. Of course, that last is true of many significant buildings, including Notre Dame—but none of them look so much like the plastic hairclips my daughters used to wear.
Oh, by the way…the roof leaks.
Four billion will build a major airport at most cities. It seems highly excessive for a subway stop. But not a surprise.
Garry, I’m sure many wheels were greased to make this project come to life.
To be honest, I had similar thoughts. Our public housing agency is years behind in maintenance and repairs. Parts of the city need new and more transit service. Schools are underfunded. And every one of those needs is more important than fancy decoration on top of a transit station.
And I’d say that even if I liked the design…
4 billion dollars ? How many people in need could that bring a bit of hope to ?
When I see figures like that I wonder how many “helpers” will be getting an early Xmas present ?
Maybe it’s a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen – “The Kings New Clothes”