Santiago Calatrava

Oculus

One of the most anticipated work post 9/11 must be the Oculus, the World Trade Center major transportation hub. Calatrava used the angle of light where at exactly 10:28 am each September 11th (which was the exact time the North Tower collapsed), a beam of light would pass through the roof and reach all the way down to the center of the Oculus floor. The architect's overall inspiration in terms of design and intent was to symbolize a dove released from a child's hand, which is the over arching form of the Oculus.

The Tower at Dubai Creek

Once this tower is completed, it will be the tallest building in the world, a notch taller than Burj Khalifa. The overall design is inspired by natural contours of a lily flower, mimicking a minaret. Another major reference to Islamic design will be the observation deck where it will strive to recreate the drama of one of the seven wonders of the Islamic ancient world - hanging gardens of babylon.

The Prime Minster of the United Arab Emirates believes this tower will be just as iconic as the Eiffel Tower and Burj Khalifa upon completion. This tower is meant to stand as both a national monument and a cultural destination.

Tenerife's Auditorium

Situated on the Canary Island, this concert hall also stands as a landmark. In white concrete, Calatrava exaggerated a wave form to make it feel as if it is going to dive into the ocean, creating an implied relationship between nature and architecture.

Museum of Tomorrow

Is it a bird? A plant? This was Calatrava's intent on creating a highly anticipated Museum where the form was inspired by the Bromeliads in the city's botanical garden. Calatrava also wanted to provide a generous public space in an era where we are constantly thinking of how to occupy cities as our population will only continue to increase. This building also has sustainable features such as using water from the bay for temperature regulation, to supply water for the reflecting pool and using photovoltaic solar panels for power supply.

Zurich Office Block

This small scale office building project by Calatrava will house a whopping 1,000 underground parking spaces for bicycles as means to create a new chapter in transit oriented design. This 5 story office building will be integrated with the existing public transportation hub in order to increase the connectivity of different transportation modes needed in order for transit oriented designs to fully function in the most efficient way.

St. Nicholas National Greek Orthodox Church

Taking on another sensitive project on the World Trade Center site, Calatrava aimed to be sensitive in designing the new church that will be overlooking the 9/11 memorial. This was the same site as the mosque that was introduced two years ago which was quickly shut down due to public's outcry. Striving to respect both religions, Calatrava proposes to draw inspiration from the eastern Byzantine design where the dome will also be comprised of 40 ribs, like Hagia Sophia's dome.