Nbc New York•5 days ago•

One World Trade Center Architect, David Childs, Passes Away at 83

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Summary:

David Childs, lead architect of One World Trade Center, passed away at 83.
He succumbed to Lewy body dementia.
Childs' other notable projects include the National Mall master plan and Dulles International Airport expansion.
One World Trade Center is celebrated as a symbol of post-9/11 resilience and is considered one of the safest buildings globally.
Childs' design incorporated crucial safety features, including wider staircases and blast-resistant glazing.

One World Trade Center Architect David Childs Dies at 83

David Childs, the renowned architect behind the iconic One World Trade Center, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 83. His son, Nicholas Childs, confirmed that he died in Pelham, New York, from Lewy body dementia.

Childs' legacy extends far beyond One World Trade Center. He played a pivotal role in designing the master plan for the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the expansion of Dulles International Airport, and 7 World Trade Center. His firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, released a statement expressing their profound gratitude for his contributions.

One World Trade Center: A Legacy of Resilience

The 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center, a symbol of resilience after 9/11, stands as a testament to Childs' vision. His son shared a touching anecdote, recounting how his father sketched the building's final design on a napkin during a lunch outing.

The building's design was the result of extensive collaboration and negotiation, with Childs refining the initial plans from Daniel Libeskind to meet safety and security standards.

Childs emphasized safety and security, calling One World Trade Center “the safest building in the world” due to its features such as wider staircases, separate emergency access, and blast-resistant glazing.

Beyond One World Trade Center: A Life Dedicated to Architecture

Childs' career spanned decades, marked by numerous significant projects nationally and internationally. He was a graduate of Yale University and joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1971. His work encompassed various landmark structures, including 1 Worldwide Plaza and the Deutsche Bank Center in New York City, the U.S. embassy in Ottawa, and the Canary Wharf development in London.

In 2004, he received the prestigious Rome Prize for architecture. Childs is survived by his wife, three children, and several grandchildren. A private memorial service is planned, followed by a larger service in May.

Source: NBC New York