The Freedom Tower

Architect Craig Dykers (of Norwegian-based design firm Snøhetta ) was joined by Mayor Bloomberg and other officials at 7 World Trade Center this morning to unveil new renderings for a downsized World Trade Center memorial museum and pavilion at the site of the former twin towers. The Gothamist reports that “the $80 million polygonal pavilion is being financed by New York State. It will range in height from 57 to 72 feet and have about 40,000 square feet to use for public programs and museum exhibitions intended to “tell the story of the events of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.”

Located between the waterfalls and reflecting pools marking the towers’ location, and surrounded by a grove of oak trees that will mature to a height of approximately 50 feet, the pavilion will serve as the gateway into the underground galleries. One of the most striking aspects of the pavilion is its glass and steel atrium along the northwest corner, where two iconic “tridents” salvaged from base of the twin towers will be placed. According to Snøhetta, the tridents will “create an immediate visual reference to the distinctive ‘Gothic arch’ motif of the twin towers. And, in their re-erection at the site, they will convey strength, fortitude, resilience, survival and hope.”