The Norwegian firm beat 60 other architecture offices for the important and prestigious job of creating a memorial museum at the highly symbolic site. It is estimated that the construction will cost around $200 million.
"Big boost"
The museum will be built in what is known as the footsteps of the former World Trade Center. The land where the Twin Towers stood until September 11, 2001 has been declared a protected area, and the museum will be one of only two buildings placed on the Memorial site itself. The other building, a theater, will be designed by the architechts of Gehry Partners.
"This is unbelieveable," exclaimed Snøhetta CEO Ole Gustavsen when the Norwegian newspaper VG called him with the good news on 12 October.
"This is incredible news and a big boost for our company," he continued.
Snøhetta became an internationally renowned name when the Norwegian-based company were chosen to build the new library in Alexandria. The company will also be responsible for constructing the new opera building in Oslo.
No drawings
The architects have not issued a single drawing for the competition. The plans and visions they presented to the Lower Manhattan Development Group during an interview in New York was enough to get them the sought-after job.
A few details seem clear, however: The building will most likely have eight or nine floors, and its total size will lie around 25,000 square meters.
Snøhetta in Beijing
One section of Snøhetta, Snøhetta Modular, also signed a cooperation agreement with Futurehouse during the China-Norway Business, Sciencce and technology Conference in Beijing on 11 October. The agreement involves construction of so-called smart houses that are to be sustainable and future oriented.