Reclaiming the spirit of a city is the only possible brief for any new architecture at Ground Zero. Our design concept is a subtle yet powerful sculptural intervention, a distinctive symbol to mark the missing link in the composition of the Manhattan skyline.

It is an allegory of life and ascension from the ground to the heavens. The 450m needle pierces the sky into infinity, leaning back as though contemplating and paying respect, not only to the physical location of the twin towers at ground level and up into the air space they occupied, but also to the 3,000 souls lost in the attack. Like a droplet of water, the design spills delicately over the site. The perspective from ground level is enhanced by the tapering outline, with the coloured, multi-faceted glass skin lifting up in a celebration of life. The glass 'heart' of the sculptural body bears the names of the deceased inscribed within the façade, serving as a lasting memorial.

The design at ground level is very much a public space, inviting, extremely accessible and in no way intimidating. A destination or a meeting place where people from all over the world can relax, enjoy, mourn, ponder, eat or just simply pass the time. The commercial, cultural and residential accommodation is all contained below the neighbouring skyline, as Sybarite strongly believe it would be inappropriate to exceed the height of surrounding buildings, out of respect for those who died as well as those who will come to mourn. It is also important for New York itself to have a completely 'new' concept at Ground Zero. This will signify the rebuilding of lives devastated by the attacks and also send a positive message showing the strength of the city's spirit which is clearly looking to the future.