When thinking about what I should write about on my next post, the first thing that came to my mind was the Oculus, or how is officially called The World Trade Center Station.
Designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is located in the World Trade Center complex, within the Financial District neighborhood of Manhattan.
It’s a Terminal Station on the PATH system, that is, it’s connected to Newark and Hoboken and it’s the terminus of both lines. \
Every day I take the Newark-bound train in Harrison. It takes me 20 minutes to get to the WTC station. Although the ride isn’t always pleasant because in the morning it can be a bit hectic, arriving at the Oculus always amazes me.
Its sculptural interior seems to consist of white ribs that interlock high above the ground, giving you the impression that you’re inside of a whale skeleton. The organic exterior form is a standout among the geometric towers and square memorial pools that surround it. According to the architect, it’s supposed to recall a dove releasing from a child’s hands.
The beautiful mezzanine is full of retail stores and coffee shops where you can buy a gift for yourself or have a quick bite before heading to work.
Once in a while, you can find temporary exhibitions, product display stands or free and open to public cultural activities such as yoga sessions or film screening at the Oculus plaza. Right now, you can find the » Live for Love» art installation, which celebrates international pride month.
On Tuesdays, there’s an organic food market at the plaza, the Greenmarket, where you can buy bread, pastry, cheeses, and fruits to take home. There’s also an outdoor food market on Fridays «the Smorgasburg» if you feel like having a good time with your friends while having a cheap and delicious American meal.
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