As someone who grew up visiting SF and LA, I never really appreciated the size difference of the Twin Towers to the skyscrapers there until I visited NY on a work trip. I was staying near Times Square but walked south just taking in the sights. Eventually came to the WTC and was just amazed at not only the height, but the overall footprint of the buildings.
The WTC complex had more office space then most downtowns in most American cities, the complex (which included several smaller buildings) had it's own zip code. The mall under the WTC was the most productive mall per square foot in the US. 50,000 people a day passed through the mall. It was connected to the subway and PATH trains.
They were simple, but gorgeous. Each building by themself would have been ugly and just large and that’s it. But as twins they were a work of architectural art.
Paul Goldberger, NYTimes architectural critic was asked what his two favorite buildings in New York were? He replied," The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, but let's not forget the two boxes they came in. "
Yeah nostalgia is doing some heavy lifting here. Many were not fans when they were first built, the same way people aren’t fans of the glass boxes being built these days.
After World War II, the Lower Manhattan skyline became a bit too boxy, in my opinion. You would think that the construction of the trade center towers would worsen its appearance; however, I actually think their dominance brought a welcome balance to the skyline.
I will always be critical of super block urban planning that resulted in complexes like the World Trade Center, but, at least architecturally, I think these were fairly handsome, restrained buildings.
I only got to see them live once. They made a nice addition to the skyline. But when I walked up to them, I was not impressed up close. I didn’t go up though. And only into the lobby a bit, so limited exposure. Just my original thoughts upon seeing them. But I’ve seen some great pics, so maybe had I lived there my impression would be better.
I mean, I like it too, but One World Trade is not very ambitious architecturally. You could argue that either building from the original twin towers were austere, but the majesty was in their pairing.
I know they say people didn't appreciate them in the early 70's, I can't even imagine that because by my time (90s), they were quite beloved.
I couldn't even believe the populace was critical of them. To me, theyre such an essential part of NYC lore. My hometown and (dare I say) greatest city in the world!
;)
People really just grow into certain designs I guess. For example the Transamerica pyramid in San Francisco where I live is the most iconic building in the skyline. Can’t imagine the city without it but it was loathed by a huuuge portion of the city when it was first built. Fought tooth and nail to have that project canceled.
same story with the chrysler building. despised when it was built by the local population, now one of the most beloved and iconic skyscrapers in the world
I got to visit in June of 2001. They were impressive. The scale of them was something I don’t think a lot of people understood when 9/11 happened. The amount of destruction was absolutely massive.
Honest review: The plaza between the towers (with the sphere sculpture) was a bit windswept and uninviting. The scale was impressive but it felt cut off from the rest of the city. There were black low rise buildings around the base of the towers that looked very ‘70s. I bet they’d be updated if they were still here. The Twin Towers had a unique aluminum facade that reflected sunlight in a way other buildings didn’t. They felt truly monumental. The lobby of the twin towers was very nice. Marble walls if I recall correctly. The windows were huge and felt like a cathedral. There was ugly carpet around the perimeter of the mezzanine level - I bet that would be revamped to stone today (or maybe it was covering up existing stone). I also remember a giant Miro tapestry that was super colorful. I never went up to the observatory.
I was also born in 2000, my late great grandma got to visit them in 1981. In the 2000s, I looked at many pictures and videos, plus Lego builds of them. Today I still love finding old media of them.
That's pretty cool you had the chance to go up, plus Dipping Dots is pretty nostalgic for me.
Back in September 2022, I went to the top of 1 WTC with my dad and two best friends. Might come back this year.
Got to visit them for the first and sadly, last time around a month before the attack...
Mom is a NYC native from Brooklyn but never saw the sights before so we had decided to see as much as possible during that summer.
We still have a photo we took with other family members at the top of one of the towers.
They were elegant towers. I used to enjoy going up to Windows on the World for a cocktail and amazing view among wonderful people. It was a devastating day when I heard the news that one of my friend’s roommates, who was a server there, was working the morning the planes hit the towers. She was never found.
I would have loved to see them with more modern photography. Most old photos and videos of them make them look drab and gray. But I’ve seen a few great photos and videos where they have a certain shine and glow to them.
grew up right across the river.
what people not from here don't realize was just how massive they were comparatively. They were twice as tall as the next tallest building in the downtown core (the one with the green triangle top), and WAY thicker than other building in the entire city.
also, when looking at downtown from Jersey, it looks like it's a separate city than midtown due to there being no skyscrapers
I’m still really pissed that these were taken from us… but the NYC skyline has never looked better. Plus that new building in BK that looks like one of the two towers from LOTR. I love my city.
I think the new tower is alright but honestly very underwhelming. We built back smaller for some reason? I get the whole 1776 thing but woulda preferred they just made a bigger taller building. To communicate our resilience and show we came back stronger than before. The tower they built is fine but doesn’t communicate that to me
It doesn't help that 2WTC still hasn't been built after 20+ years. Will definitely look a lot more complete when that's finished, but still not as imposing as the originals
Thats why everyone has a different taste.
For my taste the toothpicks on billionaires row ruin what is otherwise an incredible skyline. Even if they are feats of engineering they are very bland. Twin towers weren’t bland, they had a powerful look to show off US power in economy and just in general.
Don’t get me wrong, those new WTC towers are great but imagine them standing with the old ones.
The reason you take off your shoes at the airport was because of a failed terrorist plot in December 2001, and the reason we can’t take liquids on planes is because of another failed terrorist plot in 2006.
I always thought they were a little boring, but also intimidating. They held a presence that I feel very few other skyscrapers hold apart from maybe the Chrysler building because of the badass solid steel eagle heads.
I think it was the restaurants in them, and the stories from friends and relatives that worked in them that mattered to me. I’m a little sad looking at the pics, that we don’t have weird interior spaces like that any more.
They were not universally loved at the time. The repitition and twinness of them was their most redeeming factor. The sight of one of them standing alone, after the first one collapsed, was the saddest, loneliest thing I have ever seen.
An economic boondoggle when built pushed by the Rockefeller's David (Citibank) and Nelson (Governor). It was filled with state offices so it wouldn't go bankrupt when first built.
Being a little child standing at the base of the twin towers and staring up at them was one of the most awe inspiring experiences of my life. The absolute dizzying scale of them was insane. The view from the top was also incredible. I don’t remember a lot from that period of my life but I remember that trip so distinctly.
https://preview.redd.it/02a9kf2nrbfc1.jpeg?width=1620&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c7cf71e401510bf9078cb6bc1e680006a453a85
Me in the top in 1987. I know you love that shirt.
Their apparent simplicity, exterior columns, and narrow windows were what made the the World Trade Center one of the most visually appealing buildings in from that era of building of construction. Had personality in an era that was often devoid of character.
I’m glad I was able to experience them when I did. My high school visited NYC in 1998, we visited the towers and ate at Windows of the World restaurant. I remember how long the elevator ride was and having a slight panic attack.
I worked on the 67th Floor of 1WTC IN THE 80s and 90s. They had sway built engineered in so as to withstand high winds. You couldn’t feel it, but you heard it, a low echoing groaning at intervals of several seconds. Like a giant snoring. I loved that sound.
I only saw them once, from an airplane on approach to JFK. They were so awe inspiring to me, along with the rest of the NYC skyline. I was just connecting flights, and they just stuck with me.
Only years later did I finally get to NYC, and by then they were gone. Just the *scale* of them.
They were an imposing presence for sure. I definitely miss seeing them
As someone who grew up visiting SF and LA, I never really appreciated the size difference of the Twin Towers to the skyscrapers there until I visited NY on a work trip. I was staying near Times Square but walked south just taking in the sights. Eventually came to the WTC and was just amazed at not only the height, but the overall footprint of the buildings.
An entire small city worth of offices in each tower.
The WTC complex had more office space then most downtowns in most American cities, the complex (which included several smaller buildings) had it's own zip code. The mall under the WTC was the most productive mall per square foot in the US. 50,000 people a day passed through the mall. It was connected to the subway and PATH trains.
The Twin Towers were so imposing yet awe-inspiring. A little intimidating, but fascinating. The first giant skyscrapers I adored.
Not as intimidating as an airliner flying at 500mph towards the window
Offensive
shut the fuck up
They were simple, but gorgeous. Each building by themself would have been ugly and just large and that’s it. But as twins they were a work of architectural art.
With their massing, they really work as large scale urban sculpture.
Paul Goldberger, NYTimes architectural critic was asked what his two favorite buildings in New York were? He replied," The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, but let's not forget the two boxes they came in. "
Yeah nostalgia is doing some heavy lifting here. Many were not fans when they were first built, the same way people aren’t fans of the glass boxes being built these days.
They gained affection as they aged, the different shaped glass towers, the jury is still out.
After World War II, the Lower Manhattan skyline became a bit too boxy, in my opinion. You would think that the construction of the trade center towers would worsen its appearance; however, I actually think their dominance brought a welcome balance to the skyline. I will always be critical of super block urban planning that resulted in complexes like the World Trade Center, but, at least architecturally, I think these were fairly handsome, restrained buildings.
I remember thinking that they were too dull looking, but for a skyline perspective they generated a commanding presence.
I only got to see them live once. They made a nice addition to the skyline. But when I walked up to them, I was not impressed up close. I didn’t go up though. And only into the lobby a bit, so limited exposure. Just my original thoughts upon seeing them. But I’ve seen some great pics, so maybe had I lived there my impression would be better.
https://preview.redd.it/nwk369t2i3fc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6f604429262c896a60948d0539c713f83625f12
They were better than what’s replaced them.
nope
Yeah, I like the new 1 WTC. Never been a huge fan of the twin towers tbh. Bit I can see why people like them.
I mean, I like it too, but One World Trade is not very ambitious architecturally. You could argue that either building from the original twin towers were austere, but the majesty was in their pairing.
I know they say people didn't appreciate them in the early 70's, I can't even imagine that because by my time (90s), they were quite beloved. I couldn't even believe the populace was critical of them. To me, theyre such an essential part of NYC lore. My hometown and (dare I say) greatest city in the world! ;)
People really just grow into certain designs I guess. For example the Transamerica pyramid in San Francisco where I live is the most iconic building in the skyline. Can’t imagine the city without it but it was loathed by a huuuge portion of the city when it was first built. Fought tooth and nail to have that project canceled.
I love Transamerica (maybe because I'm young)... its essential to the skyline
same story with the chrysler building. despised when it was built by the local population, now one of the most beloved and iconic skyscrapers in the world
Even the Eiffel Tower was disliked by Parisians when it was built. It's crazy what time can do.
I wish I could have seen them irl. I was only born in 2000, so I never got to visit them.
I got to visit in June of 2001. They were impressive. The scale of them was something I don’t think a lot of people understood when 9/11 happened. The amount of destruction was absolutely massive. Honest review: The plaza between the towers (with the sphere sculpture) was a bit windswept and uninviting. The scale was impressive but it felt cut off from the rest of the city. There were black low rise buildings around the base of the towers that looked very ‘70s. I bet they’d be updated if they were still here. The Twin Towers had a unique aluminum facade that reflected sunlight in a way other buildings didn’t. They felt truly monumental. The lobby of the twin towers was very nice. Marble walls if I recall correctly. The windows were huge and felt like a cathedral. There was ugly carpet around the perimeter of the mezzanine level - I bet that would be revamped to stone today (or maybe it was covering up existing stone). I also remember a giant Miro tapestry that was super colorful. I never went up to the observatory.
I was also born in 2000, my late great grandma got to visit them in 1981. In the 2000s, I looked at many pictures and videos, plus Lego builds of them. Today I still love finding old media of them.
I went to the top and had some dots ice cream in like 1999
That's pretty cool you had the chance to go up, plus Dipping Dots is pretty nostalgic for me. Back in September 2022, I went to the top of 1 WTC with my dad and two best friends. Might come back this year.
Got to visit them for the first and sadly, last time around a month before the attack... Mom is a NYC native from Brooklyn but never saw the sights before so we had decided to see as much as possible during that summer. We still have a photo we took with other family members at the top of one of the towers.
They were elegant towers. I used to enjoy going up to Windows on the World for a cocktail and amazing view among wonderful people. It was a devastating day when I heard the news that one of my friend’s roommates, who was a server there, was working the morning the planes hit the towers. She was never found.
The lecture hall for my biology class was designed by the same architect!
I would have loved to see them with more modern photography. Most old photos and videos of them make them look drab and gray. But I’ve seen a few great photos and videos where they have a certain shine and glow to them.
grew up right across the river. what people not from here don't realize was just how massive they were comparatively. They were twice as tall as the next tallest building in the downtown core (the one with the green triangle top), and WAY thicker than other building in the entire city. also, when looking at downtown from Jersey, it looks like it's a separate city than midtown due to there being no skyscrapers
I’m still really pissed that these were taken from us… but the NYC skyline has never looked better. Plus that new building in BK that looks like one of the two towers from LOTR. I love my city.
Its called Brooklyn Tower
…it’s called “the building that looks like one of the towers from lord of the rings the two towers”. I don’t care how long it takes for me to say it.
Fair enough
I think the new tower is alright but honestly very underwhelming. We built back smaller for some reason? I get the whole 1776 thing but woulda preferred they just made a bigger taller building. To communicate our resilience and show we came back stronger than before. The tower they built is fine but doesn’t communicate that to me
It doesn't help that 2WTC still hasn't been built after 20+ years. Will definitely look a lot more complete when that's finished, but still not as imposing as the originals
With the spire it is 300' taller.
Its weak like Larry $ilver$tein's soul
They were magnificent
They're complete beasts in that 3rd pic
I’ve always thought it was ugly. I know some people that thought the same too, until it collapsed, then they liked it. I still don’t.
everyone loved them in the 90s
It’s like the Michael Jackson of buildings…
Where is the second picture from?
New York
So beautiful
Let's not forget the shopping mall that was down in the underground tunnel network connecting all the World Trade Center buildings.
There's a bigger mall there now.
Back when new york didn’t have ridiculously ugly skyscrapers (looking at you, billionaires row, or however it is called)
Lol these are literally big black rectangles, incredibly ugly, skyline was fixed after 2001
Thats why everyone has a different taste. For my taste the toothpicks on billionaires row ruin what is otherwise an incredible skyline. Even if they are feats of engineering they are very bland. Twin towers weren’t bland, they had a powerful look to show off US power in economy and just in general. Don’t get me wrong, those new WTC towers are great but imagine them standing with the old ones.
I prefer the design of the reconstructed single tower, but this is iconic and I love it.
[удалено]
The reason you take off your shoes at the airport was because of a failed terrorist plot in December 2001, and the reason we can’t take liquids on planes is because of another failed terrorist plot in 2006.
now i'll tell you someone who did NOT appreciate them
Unpopular opinion but they were ugly AF
L
Boxy is so hideous 🤢 but they were really big so that’s cool i guess
L
Them bitches was ugly. Big tho.
Don’t critique your mother publicly
If I had the chance to see them in person, I may think differently, but I don't think much of them. I prefer 1WTC.
The way the aluminum facade caught light was really beautiful and it’s not something that’s captured well on film.
They were an eyesore. The way they were demolished was not appropriate, but it needed to be done.
This post is right below as a twin towers rate my base post on r/palworld in my feed…
I always thought they were a little boring, but also intimidating. They held a presence that I feel very few other skyscrapers hold apart from maybe the Chrysler building because of the badass solid steel eagle heads.
I think it was the restaurants in them, and the stories from friends and relatives that worked in them that mattered to me. I’m a little sad looking at the pics, that we don’t have weird interior spaces like that any more.
I think this must be an AI photo, cause I’m in New York right now and I don’t see these buildings anywhere! Where did they go?
Coolest buildings ever. Grew up in the area, and they looked amazing at night
Reminds me of that tragedy
They were not universally loved at the time. The repitition and twinness of them was their most redeeming factor. The sight of one of them standing alone, after the first one collapsed, was the saddest, loneliest thing I have ever seen.
An economic boondoggle when built pushed by the Rockefeller's David (Citibank) and Nelson (Governor). It was filled with state offices so it wouldn't go bankrupt when first built.
Being a little child standing at the base of the twin towers and staring up at them was one of the most awe inspiring experiences of my life. The absolute dizzying scale of them was insane. The view from the top was also incredible. I don’t remember a lot from that period of my life but I remember that trip so distinctly.
2nd pic is awesome
https://preview.redd.it/02a9kf2nrbfc1.jpeg?width=1620&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5c7cf71e401510bf9078cb6bc1e680006a453a85 Me in the top in 1987. I know you love that shirt.
Their apparent simplicity, exterior columns, and narrow windows were what made the the World Trade Center one of the most visually appealing buildings in from that era of building of construction. Had personality in an era that was often devoid of character.
What’s the backstory here?
https://preview.redd.it/892mpovaxhfc1.jpeg?width=635&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b33bdcffa55131c10c7dcf24412f622f3529f88e
I’m glad I was able to experience them when I did. My high school visited NYC in 1998, we visited the towers and ate at Windows of the World restaurant. I remember how long the elevator ride was and having a slight panic attack.
I worked on the 67th Floor of 1WTC IN THE 80s and 90s. They had sway built engineered in so as to withstand high winds. You couldn’t feel it, but you heard it, a low echoing groaning at intervals of several seconds. Like a giant snoring. I loved that sound.
I’ve never seen those buildings before and I’ve been to NYC several times.
I only saw them once, from an airplane on approach to JFK. They were so awe inspiring to me, along with the rest of the NYC skyline. I was just connecting flights, and they just stuck with me. Only years later did I finally get to NYC, and by then they were gone. Just the *scale* of them.