Silverstein Properties opens Four World Trade Center in New York

Silverstein Properties has opened earlier this month, the first office tower on the ground zero site in Manhattan New York,

4 World Trade Center.

The 72 storey, 298 meter retail and commercial building is designed by Pritzker award-winning architect, Fumihiko Maki of Maki and Associates.

The building faces directly onto the World Trade Center Memorial Park and has been dubbed “the most advanced office building of the 21^st Century”.

"The design of 4 World Trade Center has two fundamental elements - a 'minimalist' tower that achieves an appropriate presence, quiet but with dignity, and a 'podium' that becomes a catalyst for activating the surrounding urban streetscape as part of the revitalization of lower Manhattan" said Architect, Fumihiko Maki.

The coated glass exterior allows of a constantly changing façade that reflects the surrounding buildings and sky while floor to ceiling windows allows for natural light and high-performance glass reflects the heat in summer and absorbs the sun’s warmth in winter, reducing the need for air-conditioning and heating.

The sustainable design reduces the building's carbon footprint, saves energy and water. 4 World Trade Center is powered 100% by renewable sources including wind, solar panels and hydroelectric.

Silverstein Properties has estimated that the configuration of the building will enable tenants to rent 15% less office space than they would in other buildings.

Facebook has expressed interest in taking up space in 4 World Trade Center.

So far only The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have signed up. They are to anchor the building, taking up over 55,742sqm of space.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was an original tenant of the twin towers.