Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus World Trade Center Transportation Hub opens to the public

The Oculus features operable skylights.

Described by World Trade Center website as the “most integrated network of underground pedestrian connections in New York City,” the WTC Transportation Hub’s concourse will offer connections to 11 different subway lines.

After nearly $4 billion and over a decade of anticipation, the long-delayed World Trade Center Transportation Hub finally opened to the public today. Designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/santiago-calatrava" target="_blank">Santiago Calatrava</a>, the bird-like Oculus was launched with little fanfare, which makes sense in light of how much money was already spent on building it. Considered the most expensive (and delayed) train station in the world, the controversial structure is expected to see 200,000 commuters and visitors pass through its soaring white halls each day.

With an original anticipated opening of 2007, the megaproject has been slowed by ballooning costs and scandals.

Filled with soft natural light, the dramatic and operable Oculus is framed by curving white ribs that frame a space reminiscent of a cathedral nave.

The 225,000-square-foot, white-marble main concourse will also be home to a high-end mall operated by Westfield Corporation; however, the mall’s opening will take a while longer with the exception of Eataly, one of its retail tenants, which will open in spring.

The Oculus features operable skylights.

Installing glass along the spine of the Oculus.

Described by World Trade Center website as the “most integrated network of underground pedestrian connections in New York City,” the WTC Transportation Hub’s concourse will offer connections to 11 different subway lines.

Considered the most expensive (and delayed) train station in the world, the WTC transportation hub is expected to accommodate 200,000 commuters and visitors once complete.