Calatrava’s sculptural project form is achieved through the modulated repetition of structural steel ribs, which unify the complex composition. Between the ribs, glass allows natural light that flood the facility.
The arched, elliptical structure – the Oculus – is approximately 350’ long, 115’ across at its widest point and rises to a height 96’ above grade at its apex. The structural steel ribs that form the Oculus extend upward, like outspread wings, to form a pair of canopies that rise to a maximum height of 168’ above grade.
Calatrava said that the Oculus resembles a bird being released from a child’s hand. The roof was originally designed to mechanically open to increase light and ventilation to the enclosed space. Herbert Muschamp, architecture critic of The New York Times, compared the design to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain in Central Park.
The design was further modified in 2008 to eliminate the opening and closing roof mechanism because of budget and space constraints.
