One World Trade Center, Supertall skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, United States
The skyscraper rises to 1,776 feet (541 meters) in height and features a prismatic glass facade that reflects light across the skyline. The architecture by David Childs combines a square base with a form that tapers upward into an octagon. The structure consists of a reinforced concrete podium up to the 20th floor, with steel framework and glass elements above. An antenna measuring 408 feet (124 meters) completes the height and brings the total elevation to 1,776 feet. The design incorporates sustainable elements including rainwater collection systems and energy-efficient lighting.
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, planning began for a new building at Ground Zero under architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The cornerstone was laid in 2006 after years of debates over design and security. Construction spanned eight years with the steel framework completed in 2012. The tower opened in November 2014 for its first tenants and the observatory began operations in May 2015. Development cost approximately 3.9 billion dollars.
The building serves as a symbol of resilience and renewal following the September 11 attacks, representing New York's determination to rebuild the Financial District. Its presence in the skyline provides a landmark for millions of people and embodies the economic importance of Lower Manhattan. The observation deck attracts numerous visitors annually who come to experience panoramic views of the city. As a workplace, it houses thousands of employees from various companies and contributes to the urban identity of Manhattan.
The One World Observatory on floors 100 through 102 provides access via high-speed elevators that travel from ground level to the top in 47 seconds. Tickets should be purchased in advance online, especially during summer months and holidays. The best time for clear views is early morning or at sunset. The entrance is located at West Street and is accessible via subway lines E, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Accessible facilities are available and audio guides in multiple languages can be obtained.
The elevators to the observatory use LED walls that display a virtual time travel through 500 years of New York history as the cabin ascends. The foundation extends 70 feet (21 meters) below ground and weighs more than 45,000 tons (41,000 metric tons), ensuring anchoring in bedrock. The windows are made from specialized laminated glass that withstands extreme weather conditions. A dedicated energy center within the building generates part of the required electricity through district cooling and combined heat and power systems.
Location: Manhattan
Inception: November 3, 2014
Architects: David Childs, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Daniel Libeskind
Official opening: November 3, 2014
Architectural style: postmodern architecture
Elevators: 73
Height: 386.5 m
Made from material: bulletproof glass, reinforced concrete, steel, aluminium
Part of: World Trade Center
Address: 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. 10007 New York
Website: https://onewtc.com
GPS coordinates: 40.71300,-74.01350
Latest update: November 27, 2025 18:44
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have explored new forms using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete, creating structures that meet the growing demands of metropolitan areas. This collection includes buildings that marked their time with innovative design. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's Casa Milà features a wavy facade that breaks traditional norms, while in London, 30 St Mary Axe incorporates energy-saving technologies into its 180-meter structure. From Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum clad in titanium to artificial islands shaped in the Persian Gulf in Dubai, these projects illustrate the diversity of architectural approaches worldwide. Each building reflects its urban context while offering solutions to technical and functional challenges of its era.
This collection brings together skyscrapers that showcase advances in modern engineering and architecture worldwide. These structures rise above metropolises and reshape city horizons, from the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in Dubai to the CCTV headquarters in Beijing with its two linked towers. Each building reflects a unique architectural approach and technical innovations tailored to its environment. The selection spans all continents and features buildings with various functions. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, 452 meters high and connected by a sky bridge, stand alongside New York’s One World Trade Center, which reaches 541 meters. The Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg is notable for its twisted glass facade, while the Torre Costanera in Santiago offers panoramic views of the Andes. Whether residential buildings like the Eureka Tower in Melbourne or commercial structures such as the Kingdom Centre in Riyadh, these constructions demonstrate how contemporary architecture shapes 21st-century cities.
This list entails the most iconic and exclusive skyscrapers across the globe including their fascinating architectural details.
These structures demonstrate engineering and architectural innovation. The locations include the world's tallest buildings, longest bridges, and fastest roller coasters. Features include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and Millau Viaduct in France.
7 World Trade Center
131 m
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
180 m
2 World Trade Center
219 m
Two World Trade Center
217 m
3 World Trade Center
281 m
The Sphere
281 m
America's Response Monument
287 m
Six World Trade Center
28 m
200 West Street
204 m
World Trade Center
100 m
200 Vesey Street
124 m
World Trade Center cross
209 m
250 Vesey Street
256 m
Winter Garden Atrium
151 m
225 Liberty Street
160 m
30 Park Place
366 m
West Street pedestrian bridges
69 m
111 Murray Street
278 m
4 World Trade Center
171 m
Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden
149 m
5 World Trade Center
217 m
Barclay-Vesey Building
97 m
Hopkins Store
278 m
45 Park Place
319 m
Ground Zero
162 m
One World Observatory
0 m
National September 11 Memorial North Pool
100 m
National September 11 Memorial South Pool
217 mReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Wonderful view of all of New York
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes