World Trade Center FAQs:
The Studio Libeskind Plan

See Photos of the WTC Plan • See photos of the Studio Libeskind Plan

More About the WTC • WTC - World's Tallest? • WTC Finalists • WTC Memorials • WTC Index

WTC Discussion Tell us what you think of the Studio Libeskind plans for the New York World Trade Center, and read what others think. Join the discussion.

Q. What is Studio Libeskind?

A. Studio Libeskind is the firm of Polish-born architect Daniel Libeskind. His parents both survived the Holocaust. Daniel Libeskind came to the United States when he was 13 and became a U.S. citizen in 1965. He is best known for designing the Jewish Museum in Berlin.

• Read Daniel Libeskind's Statement.

Q. What is the Studio Libeskind Plan?

A. The plan calls for a 1,776-foot (541m) spindle-shaped tower with 7.5 million square feet of office space and room for indoor gardens above the 70th floor. At the center of the World Trade Center complex, a 70-foot pit will expose the concrete foundation walls of the former Twin Tower buildings.

• See photos of the Studio Libeskind plan.

Q. How does the Studio Libeskind plan honor America?

A. The exposed concrete walls of the excavated pit will represent the strong foundation of democracy, suggesting that the United States remains steadfast even in the face of terrorist attack. The height of the tower, 1,776 feet, will symbolize the year of American independence. A memorial to honor the dead will be selected based on a competition to be held later this year.

• See ideas for World Trade Center Memorials.

Q. Will the Studio Libeskind Tower be the world's tallest?

A. Not quite. At 1,776 feet, the Studio Libeskind tower will reach higher than the former World Trade Center Twin Towers, which stood 1,368 feet (417m). But, the new tower will not be the tallest structure in the world. That honor goes to the CN (Canadian National) Tower, which stands at 1,815 feet (553m).

Technically, the Studio Libeskind tower also will not surpass the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia. The main floors of the Petronas Towers reach 1,483 feet (452m). The Libeskind tower may be taller, but the extra height will not be habitable space. Spires and observation towers are not generally included when comparing building height.

• See the Studio Libeskind towers compared with other tall buildings.

Q. Is the decision final?

A. The original plan developed by Studio Libeskind has already been extensively revised at the request of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. As discussions continue, many more changes will be made. Decisions must be made about the underground parking garages, the enclosed mall, and the amount of commercial office space. Designs must be selected for the memorial. The final World Trade Center complex could be quite different than the one shown in current models and sketches.

• Tell us what you think of the Studio Libeskind plans.