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- Contextual Report Update – Final Review Underway
A message from our founder "Over the past few weeks we've made significant progress on the World Technology Center's contextual report and accompanying media materials. Alongside this work, we've also released recent YouTube videos on July 4th and 20th to commemorate the America250 birthday and Apollo 11 anniversary, respectively. Following a substantial round of revisions, the report has now entered its final review stage. To ensure the highest possible quality and accuracy, co-authors have requested a little additional time to review the latest edits before publication. As a result, our release schedule has shifted slightly into the first weeks of August. While this means a second delay, we're committed to releasing work that has been carefully reviewed and meets the high standards we set for ourselves. I believe it's worth taking the extra time to ensure every section is as accurate, clear, and professional as possible. As this initiative is continuous and evolving (with further publications, contributions and updates expected our team grows in the coming months and years), our report shall be released as a first edition in August 2026. Thank you all for your continued patience and support throughout this unique journey. On behalf of our team we look forward to making our official publications in the first weeks of the month." — Raphael Chryslar
- A message from our team lead
Founder and project lead Raphael J. Chryslar has a brief but important update regarding our upcoming media publications. I am happy to announce that our comprehensive report "America's Twin Towers: History, Legacy and the Case for Renewal" has been completed in its written form and is now in the final cross-review and sign-off with co-authors (including Ken Gardner) and our wider network. As mentioned previously, it is a 100+ page document that contains extensive literature review, technical work, and various discussions to a high standard. Supplemental material within includes renders and diagrams. On behalf of our team I have made an important decision. In my statement on Fox 32 News back in May, I mentioned to release the materials on July 1st, which was aimed to join the observations of America 250 (the semi-quincentennial). However, since my interview there have been several delays that were not anticipated. Rather than rushing the release during a crowded holiday week, we are prioritizing accuracy, quality, and a professional standard worthy of the scale of the proposal. On the 4th of July, we will publish an official short video showcase on our YouTube channel: featuring a first look at the towers, the campus, and the vision behind them. Consider it the opening note. The full report and press kit will follow in mid-July, in the days around the Apollo 11 anniversaries. For a project rooted in engineering, ambition, and the long arc of human achievement, I feel that there is no more fitting window to present it in full. We are not in a hurry. We are doing this right. Thank you to everyone who has followed the project so far. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated. — Raphael Chryslar
- Media Publications Announcement, July-August 2026
As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, our team would like to share an important update regarding the release schedule for our upcoming media publications about the World Tech Center vision. Over the past seven weeks, we have been working intensively to complete three major media materials: our contextual report, our full-release press kit, and our documentary film. They represent a significant milestone for the project, bringing together architectural design, historical context, economic reasoning, public communication, and the broader vision behind the initiative. Our original aim was to publish all three materials on July 1st, following the date mentioned during our founder’s recent appearance on Fox 32 News. However, after careful review of the remaining work, we have made the considered decision to delay the release of the documentary until August 2026. This tough decision has not been made lightly. The documentary is a substantial 1-hour long production that summarizes our 80+ page report into no more than 11,000 words, narrated by our collaborator Haru Morioka, with the addition of Ken Gardner appearing in a short segment. Alongside this, our team has also been finalizing detailed SketchUp concept models, preparing high-quality visual renders, proofreading the report, and coordinating supporting contributions from our collaborators around their other life commitments. Given the time-consuming nature of CAD modelling, rendering, narration, and editing, we believe it is important that the documentary is completed to the high standard the project deserves. Our revised publication schedule is as follows: July 1st — Contextual Report Release We plan to publish our full contextual report, which is now structurally complete and undergoing final proofreading. This report will outline the background, principles, strategy, and wider case for the vision. July 3rd — Full Release Press Kit and Short Introductory Video Our press kit will follow shortly after the report, providing a concise and accessible media package for journalists, civic leaders, supporters, and members of the public who wish to understand the project more clearly. Alongside, we also plan to release a short highlight instrumental video featuring external cards and links directing viewers to the full report, press kit, website, and official project channels. August 2026 — Documentary Release The full documentary will now be released in August. This additional time will allow us to complete the narration, rendering, editing, and final presentation to a much higher standard, ensuring that the film properly reflects the scale, seriousness, and ambition of the project. Although this adjustment changes our original aimed release timeline, it allows us to present each publication more clearly and effectively. For high quality purposes which we strive for, we believe a phased release will give the report, press kit, and documentary the individual attention they deserve. We are very grateful for the patience, encouragement, and interest shown by everyone who has followed our initiative so far. This project continues to grow through careful design work, public dialogue, historical reflection, and long-term strategic planning. Further updates will be shared through our website and official social media pages. Thank you for your continued support.
- World Environment Day
Interior view showing laboratory workspace (left) and a living wall (right) Today is World Environment Day, and it is worth reflecting on what the next generation of landmark architecture should stand for. For the World Technology Center, sustainability would not be treated as a decorative afterthought but as one of the core engineering principles of the entire campus. Our long-term vision is for the WTC to operate as a highly integrated green building ecosystem: it would powered in part by hydrogen fuel cell systems, and supported by innovative transparent photovoltaic (solar panel) technologies embedded within the tower's window glass. Further reading: https://www.imnovation-hub.com/energy/transparent-photovoltaic-glass Exterior glass façade of the World Tech Center's Twin Towers, in this case the residential floors Transparent solar panel window diagram Along with modern façade engineering materials and techniques, HVAC is designed around efficient internal airflow through large vertical ventilation shafts, reversible heat pumps and rotary air movers within the cores to improve thermal efficiency and ventilation performance. You can view a drawing of the general core structure here. The twin towers and surrounding campus would also place greenery at the heart of the experience — not only through landscaped public spaces, but also through interior planting, shaded communal areas, and 'biophilic design' that helps create a healthier environment for researchers, students, workers, residents, and visitors. The Open Heavens Observation Deck (for example) is the pinnacle of urban greenery with outdoor relaxation in a literal sense - the highest outdoor viewing platform and garden in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond energy generation and efficiency, the complex would aim to reduce waste at source through its own recycling, material recovery, and energy-from-waste systems, with integrated carbon capture technologies explored as part of a wider circular infrastructure strategy. The project is being envisioned as a place where architecture, engineering, climate responsibility, scientific knowledge, innovation, and human wellbeing come together — a vertical campus and national laboratory designed not only for discovery but for stewardship of the planet we all share. A view of the Blue Giants (Twin Towers) from The Discovery Hotel and Yamasaki Circle
- Fox News interview, growing collaboration, and residential space onsite
On May 11th 2026 (at 2:35 pm CDT), Raphael J. Chryslar, our founder and project leader, gave a televised interview with Fox 32 News Chicago, hosted by Anita Blanton. We congratulate his successful effort, considering that this is his first-ever live news presentation and such a challenge is particularly a high-anxiety moment for someone who is autistic. You can watch the full interview here. In the days since, we have seen continued growth of our network. Darcellus Wrice (a risk managmennt and capital oversight professional based in Chicago) joined our initiative and shared useful advice for Phases 3 and 4. Alongside a recommendation from our collaborator Ken Gardner, we have officially adoped the implentaiton of residential space in both twin towers, such as the upper thirds of the buildings (floors 74-100), with STEM labs and facilities occupying the rest of the buildings. This would augment the functional diversity in our mixed-use campus. As we advance towards our publications on July 1st, we will also be conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations on the tower's effects on the surrounding city, and refined Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on the structural elements. Isometric view of the World Technology Center
- Announcements for May 2026
This month, our team are excited to share new updates: 1) Two months ago, the World Technology Center vision was formally submitted to the Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050 competition. The proposal was reviewed among nearly 200 entries and the project has now entered broader civic and architectural discussions surrounding Chicago’s future. 2) Fox 32 News Chicago will go live on Monday May 11th with our project's founder Raphael Chryslar to converse details about the initiative in simple detail. 3) We will be publishing our media materials (comprehensive report, documentary and full-edition press kit) on July 1st 2026. 4) Our siteplan that showcases the proposed 35-acre development has been updated to the latest edition, among with a variety of survey photorgraphs of the current site. Updated basic siteplan (May 2026)
- New drawings published and forthcoming updates
Our team have published several new drawings (and revised editions on two) which can be viewed under our technical specifications page. We are also proud to announce that Ken Gardner - our founder's source of inspiration for this initiative - have joined our core team . In the forthcoming weeks, we will be rolling out a series of major improvements and expanded content to our website and especially our homepage. An official publication date in June 2026 for our documentary, press kit and comprehensive report would be announced at the beginning of the month.
- National Science Appreciation Day
Today is NationalScienceAppreciationDay . Science is by definition: the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained. Our view of science is the foundation of progress, shaping how we understand the world and how we build for the future; and this principle leads into the definition of technology. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge, tools, techniques, and systems to solve practical problems, improve efficiency, or simplify human life. From engineering and medicine to energy and space exploration, its impact reaches every aspect of modern life. Our vision is to celebrate and elevate science by making it visible, accessible, and integrated into everyday urban experience. We believe the future of cities lies in bringing together research, education, industry, and public life—creating STEM environments where innovation is not hidden, but shared. As part of this mission, we’ve recently submitted our vision for Chicago’s future to the Horizon Lines initiative by World Business Chicago, contributing to the conversation on how cities can evolve as global hubs for science and innovation. "The future will be built on knowledge, and science will lead the way"
- Latest webpage updates
Today we have rolled out several major updates with expanded content and information on our buildings , technical specifications , and our team pages as part of our commitment to transparency and communication. We are excited to announce that Ken Gardner - our source of inspiration for our initiative - has reached out to connect with our founder on LinkedIn. We look forward to engaging with him as the project evolves through its stakeholder outreach and conceptual design phase.
- Recent Media Coverage and Project Update
Over the past few days, the World Technology Center project has received growing attention across online platforms and media outlets. We appreciate the interest in the project and the discussions it has generated. As visibility increases, we recognize the importance of providing clear and accurate information regarding the current status and intent of the project. The World Technology Center is currently in the concept development and feasibility exploration phase . Ongoing work includes architectural refinement, technical studies, and the continued expansion of public-facing materials outlining the project’s scope, design, and long-term vision. As previously mentioned, we aim to publish our complete-edition Press Kit , Comprehensive Report and Documentary (the latter on our newly launched YouTube platform) in June 2026 as part of our formal media unveiling. We have also acquired new computing resources to produce high quality ray-traced renderings going forward. While some recent media coverage has described the project in simplified terms, we would like to clarify that the World Technology Center is not a replica of the original World Trade Center. It is a new and independent development , inspired by its architectural legacy, with a modern purpose centered on science, technology, research, and education. The proposed development is envisioned as a large-scale, multi-building STEM complex, with Chicago identified as the primary location under consideration due to its growing role in science innovation and its historical significance in skyscraper development. At this stage: No construction approvals have been secured No land acquisition has been finalized No funding agreements are currently in place As with all major infrastructure initiatives, these steps would follow a structured process involving feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement, and formal planning procedures. We remain committed to maintaining transparency as the project evolves. To support this, we have recently expanded several sections of the website and continue to do so as the project progresses in Phase 2 . For verified information, we encourage the public and media to refer to our official channels listed on this website. We appreciate the continued interest and look forward to sharing further updates as the project develops. Conceptual ray-traced render of the World Technology Center Twin Towers as viewed from the mall atrium.
- Upcoming website updates
As we move closer to the publication of our official report and media releases in the coming months, the team will begin rolling out a series of major updates across the website. These will include expanded content on The Scope , Technical Specifications , Economic Impact , Building Designs, and the broader Vision page. In parallel, our founder has further advanced high-fidelity ray-tracing techniques to support the next generation of architectural visualizations and renderings. We are also expanding our Q&A section to address the growing online discussion surrounding the project and to clarify any misinformation circulating on third-party platforms. For accuracy and reliability, official updates and verified information are published exclusively through our website and our official channels on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.
- Comprehensive Report preview and Nightime Test Renders
Our first nighttime conceptual test renderings of the World Technology Center have come to light 💡 The edges of the blue giants would illuminate like a brilliant sheer vertical beacon, made up of rows of LED panels seamlessly joined together into one.. This was inspired by the concept renders of the SpaceX’s twin launch towers at Starbase Texas. The lobbies would also boast a sleek modern touch of curved light strips, blue and white marble, and a golden rectangle on the ceiling that shines brightly amongst the stainless steel and the mural of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. As our founder’s skillset continues to elevate, so does the project in its conceptual evolution and the underlying groundword. For this reason, we are providing a glimpse into our comprehensive report (that would be published in June 2026, in conjuction with the press kit and documentary). The name chosen for our 100+ page document is " America's Twin Towers: History, Legacy and the Case for Renewal " written by our founder and would be co-authored with contributors. In the coming weeks as the Revit and SketchUp files evolve, our website will be receiving a major update with new pages about each building and their amentities. Additionally, our essay on economic benefits and funding strategy would be reviewed and expanded with more depth and clarity as our founder seeks futher guidance and advice. The front cover of our upcoming comprehensive report










