DESIGN

7 WTC represents the cutting edge of contemporary architecture and design. The tower has earned many awards, including the Municipal Art Society of New York's 2006 award for Best New Building, and the 2006 Merit Award for Architecture from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter.

The tower skin is made of floor-to-ceiling clear glass. The taut glass wall is pulled apart at the floor levels, creating a tension in the building surface. The stainless-steel spandrels are modeled to catch reflected sunlight that is colored to match the tone of the sky.

The surface of the building is a study in reflected color and light and calibrated to create the illusion of depth. By day, 7 WTC is animated with light, evolving as weather conditions change. By night, it is artificially illuminated with programmed LED projection sequences.