Ground Zero: Libeskind to be joined by David Childs

After months of battle between the owner of the World Trade Center site, Larry Silverstein (set on obtaining more space for offices) and the winner of the competition for rebuilding, Daniel Libeskind (ready to build his tower 1776 feet high, number which represents the year of the American independence) seem to have come to a point of no return.

Silverstein has decided to appoint David Childs (partner at SOM) as chief architect whilst Libeskind’s role has been reduced to “collaborating architect during the concept and schematic design phases”. The three should begin working together immediately. “This collaboration will facilitate the development of the Freedom Tower in a manner consistent with the Libeskind vision”, they have stated. “We are confident that SOM and SDL will produce a world class icon in the Lower Manhattan skyline and a powerful symbol of our nation's resilience in the aftermath of tragedy”.