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Objects created by people do not always become culturally or historically significant. Nevertheless, there are many examples of man-made articles becoming ingrained in the culture as they incorporate the values of a particular place at a certain point in time (“What Are the Humanities?,” 2020). One such object is the One World Trade Center, the building constructed on the place of the World Trade Center complex destroyed in the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.
The construction of the One World Trade Center was an enormous undertaking. The building, colloquially known as Freedom Tower, was designed by a renowned American architect, David Childs (Steiner & Veel, 2018). The September 11 attacks on U.S. soil greatly impacted the nation. Patriotism and resilience in the face of the tragedy became ingrained in the American culture and society. Thus, the creation of the One World Trade Center was informed and motivated by the destruction of the Twin Towers.
The building under discussion is visually appealing and is loaded with meaning by the mere place of its erection. When I look at the building, which gradually transitions from a square base into narrow triangle shapes culminating in a tall spire, I am reminded of unity and harmony. The construction is not disconnected from the city skyline and complements it effectively, while the glass reflects the sky around it, allowing it almost to become invisible. Another moving characteristic is the height of the building and the spire adorning it. The building climbs 1,776 feet above ground level, marking the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed (Steiner & Veel, 2018). It may be a small detail, but its height references a crucial point in the country’s history while commemorating a great tragedy. The building is specific, can be easily identified, and is emblematic of the global generation 9/11 centered around the questions of privacy and security (“Culture and the Humanities,” 2022; Rodden, 2022). Overall, these characteristics deepen my understanding of this cultural work, revealing the many layers of meaning behind it.
In summary, the shape and design of the building, its height, the place of its construction, and even its name contribute to the One World Trade Center being a significant cultural work. It memorializes a catastrophe that impacted millions of people worldwide and transmits the message of resilience, strength, hope, and unity, reminded that restoration and healing are possible even after the darkest of tragedies.
References
Culture and the Humanities [Reading]. (2022).
Rodden, J. (2022). But professor, what are the humanities for? [Reading].
Steiner, H., & Veel, K. (2018). Towering Invisibilities: A cultural-theoretical reading of the Eiffel Tower and the one World Trade Center. Qualitative Inquiry, 25(4), 407-416. Web.
What Are the Humanities? [Reading]. (2022).
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