12 years on: the rise of one world trade center

Designed by David M Childs of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, construction began on the project in 2006. The development has highlighted the use of renewable technology and materials with aim to produce a structure that is “safe, sustainable and artistically dynamic”.

The building will feature a reinforced concrete core and high-speed passenger elevators to take visitors up to the observation deck, which shall be accompanied by restaurants and broadcasting antennae.

The building is topped by a 408-foot spire, which will make One World Trade Center the tallest building in the western hemisphere. It was raised up to a temporary platform in May this year, a site that wowed onlookers and the world media.

In tribute to the fateful events of 9/11, EarthCam has released a time-lapse movie to show the progress at the site from October 2004 to September 2013.

Watch the inspiring rise of One World Trade Center: