World Trade Center (1973–2001)

Radio Row-Berenice Abbott

World Trade Center 1980 infra red analog

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World Trade Center Building Design with Floor and Elevator Arrangement m

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Wtc floor truss system

WTC-Perspektive

Complex of buildings in Lower Manhattan, New York City (1973–2001)

The World Trade Center was a large complex of seven buildings in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The most notable structures in the complex were the Twin Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world at the time of their completion. The complex was destroyed during the September 11 attacks in 2001.

History

The idea for the World Trade Center was first proposed in the early 1960s by David Rockefeller and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The complex was designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki and engineer Leslie E. Robertson. Construction began on August 5, 1966, and the complex was officially opened on April 4, 1973.

Design and Construction

The Twin Towers, known as the North Tower (1 WTC) and the South Tower (2 WTC), were the centerpiece of the World Trade Center complex. Each tower had 110 stories and stood over 1,360 feet tall. The towers were constructed using a tube-frame design, which allowed for open floor plans and large windows.

September 11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was the target of a terrorist attack by the extremist group al-Qaeda. Two hijacked planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were flown into the North and South Towers, respectively. The impact and subsequent fires caused both towers to collapse within hours, leading to the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.

Aftermath and Legacy

The site of the World Trade Center, known as Ground Zero, became a focal point for recovery and rebuilding efforts. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum was established to honor the victims of the attacks. The new One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, was completed in 2013 and stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Related Pages

• September 11 attacks
• One World Trade Center
• National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
• Minoru Yamasaki
• Leslie E. Robertson
• David Rockefeller
• Lower Manhattan