Architects to reveal Ground Zero plans

Seven teams of architects from around the world will today reveal their plans for Ground Zero in New York.

Six preliminary designs were rejected by New Yorkers five months ago.

Several of the designs to go on show today feature buildings that would be the tallest in the world.

One proposes the world’s largest room – a huge glass pavilion over where the World Trade Centre towers once stood. Others create underground memorials to the victims of the September 11 attack.

The Lower Manhattan Development Corp and the Port Authority, which owns Ground Zero, have said they will come up with a single “master plan” for the 16 acre site by January 31.

Critics have questioned how the officials can adequately judge public opinion about such a sensitive site in such a short time.

The designs will be posted today on the LMDC’s Website, www.renewnyc.com, and on www.lowermanhattan.info.

The plans will also be on display in the Winter Garden in the World Financial Centre, next to Ground Zero, from Friday, 7am to 11pm, seven days a week until the end of January.

The public can fill out comment cards at the exhibit and write in comments on the LMDC Website.

The agency will hold public hearings on the designs in Manhattan and New Jersey next month.

Some residents have expressed fears that tall buildings may become targets for future terrorist attacks – Malaysia’s Petronas Towers are currently the world’s tallest at almost 1,500ft.