9. Stucco-Like Fire Proof Coats the Steel Beams

From far away, the white “ribs” of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub seem as smooth as marble. But get close and you’ll notice it has a texture to it. This is a fire proof coating that has a stucco-feel. On our visit last week, people wondered how long the station would remain gleaming white with this type of material in place. In 2014, Mr. Calatrava’s office countered questions on why the surface was bumpy: “The client was not prepared to spend the additional money.”

World Trade Center Transportation Hub-Oculus-Opening-NYC-001