Is it a $4 billion "#wasteofmoney," or a new, inspiring "anchor for the city" ?
In the one day since the World Trade Center Oculus — the soaring centerpiece of the new WTC transit hub — partially opened to the public, the reviews have been mixed, but the reaction seems to be similar: snap a photo for Instagram.
To put it succinctly, love it or hate it, as Instagrammer Jennay_87 said, the expansive, ribbed space is "Instagram heaven."
The massive, curved white steel and marble hub, designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava as a symbol of resilience in the wake of 9/11, has already been praised as a masterpiece and derided as an overpriced dinosaur carcass of a structure.
The question posed by many on social media revolves around its cost. Said to be the most expensive train station in the world, some have asked if it's worth all the money even if it may be somewhat interesting looking.
Or as Instagrammer @vanshnookenraggen said "I ain't saying it isn't nice but it sure isn't worth $4 billion #calatravisty"
Its futuristic, and sparse look has also garnered comment, @kristenmichellenyc called it "eerily sterile."
Taking it a step further, @3vil_genius is already pushing for Star Trek comparisons:
Or maybe we're just not ready for its coolness (expressed through "Back to the Future" quotes):
Or maybe it's just really ugly, but so ugly you want to show everyone:
Then again, maybe it's one of New York's most inspiring architectural feats.
