Ingels says he understands the gravity of the project, and is optimistic that it will move forward.
"When you are contributing to the skyline of such an important part of the city, it's going to be interpreted by many people in many different ways," Ingels told Business Insider. He added that his firm is moving "full speed ahead" with documentation and anticipates having shovels in the ground by 2016.
If and when it's completed, Ingels' skyscraper will finish what has been more than a decade-long redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. It will be the second tallest of four buildings that will circle around a pair of cascading pools that mark the spot of the former Twin Towers, as well as a 9/11 museum and a new $4 billion train terminal.
"This tower will mark the completion of the World Trade Center and the framing of our memorial and finally restore this part of downtown Manhattan," Ingels said.