Reflections on Lost Architecture

Do I miss the original World Trade Center? You bet I do!

As someone from the Chicagoland area, where I grew up cherishing architecture, my appreciation for the sheer elegance and grandeur of the original Twin Towers runs deep. My memories of them stretch back to my childhood, when I first read about them in a Landmark book just before 9/11. The towers were not just part of the skyline; they were icons that defined an era and a city. The recollection of my second-grade class discussion with Mrs. Liptack on the morning after the tragic event is vividly etched in my mind. It’s a poignant reminder of the time and the profound impact it had on all of us, even the youngest.

The original Twin Towers were a testament to human ingenuity and vision. While Trump’s proposed Twin Towers 2 plan was intriguing, the consensus favored the One World Trade Center (now Freedom Tower). This decision, however, has left a significant gap in the skyline. The proposal to replicate the original structure, albeit slightly taller and stronger, feels like a nostalgic attempt to reclaim a sense of loss and remember the past.

I can still vividly recall my visits to NYC in the 1960s, a place I haven’t returned to since. The absence of the Twin Towers is palpable, a constant reminder of the tragic event that changed so much. The visual loss at the tip of Manhattan is a stark symbol of that day, a reminder that we can never truly reclaim what was lost. Yet, the towers continue to hold a symbolic place in my heart, representing a time of optimism and the promise of the future.

Art and Architecture

Art and architecture lost to wars and natural disasters also hold a special place in my heart. What remains are often mere photographs or drawings, symbols of the remarkable achievements of human culture. The World Trade Center, until the 9/11 tragedy, was one such symbol, but now it stands as an enduring remembrance of that day. Even though the towers were not my personal favorites, they became more significant to me over time, serving as a constant reminder of the resilience and courage that defined the days following the attacks.

Looking back, my role as a tour guide for tourists offered a unique perspective. I took them up to the roof every Tuesday and Friday night around sunset, witnessing breathtaking ocean views. One evening, while on top, something caught my eye—an illuminated disc rising from the horizon. Initially puzzled, I later realized it was the moonrise. These small moments provide a semblance of normalcy and hope.

Indeed, the absence of the original World Trade Center is felt deeply, not just as a physical void but as a symbol of a past that we can never fully regain. Yet, the memories and the structures that remain continue to anchor us in the present, reminding us of the strength and resilience that define us as a city and a nation.