More than a million images make up a time-lapse video of the construction of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, also known as the Oculus, in New York City. The two-minute movie capturing the five years of work on site was released by EarthCam last week in honor of the project’s ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26.
“Unique and impressive designs like the Oculus are defining 21st century architecture and my hope is this movie acts as a time capsule of our innovative culture,” said Brian Cury, CEO and founder of EarthCam.
More than 10,000 tons of structural steel was used to create the distinctive winged shape for Oculus, designed by internationally acclaimed architect and engineer, Santiago Calatrava. The structure’s street-level entrance features a curved rib roof and soaring arches, leading commuters to the PATH system, subway lines, 225,000 sq. ft of retail and restaurant space, four office towers at the WTC site, the World Financial Center and the Winter Garden — all of which comprises one of the most extensive underground pedestrian connections in NYC.
The Hub partially opened to the public in March and aims to be fully operational by the end of the year.