September 11 Museum

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

In the space between where the Twin Towers once stood in New York City was transformed into a museum. Two footprints subtracted into the earth, filled by waterfalls surround each pool's perimeter. The Museum was erected between these pools of falling water. It opened on September 11, 2012, the anniversary of the unforgettable, horrific day.

The Museum design was originated by Snøhetta, acclaimed Norwegian architectural team. Architects worked with our Design Assist Group, a dedicated ‘think tank’ where the project's facade was translated into a constructible scheme. Zahner unitized the metal systems in Kansas City and then shipped everything to the job site for installation.

The architects worked with Zahner engineers and designers in the Design Assist Group, a dedicated think tank where the project's facade was translated into a constructible scheme.

Rendering showing an aerial view of the 911 Museum.
Image courtesy Snøhetta

Map of the 911 Memorial and Museum
Image courtesy Snøhetta

The sensitivity of the project recently led to a reduction in the total size of the Museum so as not to overshadow the two footprints. The Museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, audio, and videos relating to the World Trade Center's history as well as the events surrounding September 11, 2001.

Zahner worked closely with the Snøhetta architects to develop the building envelope, outer roof and walls. The envelope protects both the interior environment and facilitates climate control. Moreover, the building envelope is responsible for the visual shape of the building.

9/11 Memorial & Museum at night.
Image courtesy Snøhetta

Rendering of the 911 Museum at ground level.
Image courtesy Snøhetta

Rendering of the 911 Museum at sunset.
Image courtesy Snøhetta

Rendered view of the 911 Museum seen from above.
Image courtesy Snøhetta

Engineering the 911 Museum

The panels were tested for wind loads and water permeability at a special facility.

Zahner's NS11 mockups were tested for high moisture and winds.

The panelization method used for the project required welding studs to the reverse of each panel. Fabricators weld with the engineered settings the studs don't show on the face of the panels.

Zahner fabricator installs studs on the backs of NS11 Panels.

The surface of the metal shell alternates between a matte GB-60™ Surface, and a Semi-Reflective stainless steel surface. This alternation will repeat itself down the metal and glass surface, appearing striped.

National September 11 Museum during construction.

911 Museum during construction.

National September 11 Museum.

National September 11 Museum's surface.

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