World Trade Centre Memorial Competition
Competition: 2003
Type: Landscape - Memorial
Client: Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
In collaboration with: Room 4.1.3 (Richard Weller) & Thomas Griffiths
In the manner of a sacred text, this proposal for a memorial to the victims of the September 11th attacks on New York inscribes the name of each of the victims across the site in extruded three dimensional letters rising out of the ground. The two pages of the book define the former footprints of the twin towers. Etched plinths, which act as full stops in the field of text, allow each family a space to record the life of their deceased. Rather than monumentalising the tragic events that occurred, the intention is to celebrate the individuals who died on that day.
At the urban level, a stepped terrace allows the broader context of the city to delicately connect with the sunken ruin of the memorial, allowing the public life of the city to enter. The stepped terraces allow easy access into and through the site; and provide equally for formal gathering as well as private reflection. In contrast to the public fields of text and the urban terrace, is a protected and private space dedicated for use by families and friends of the victims. The raised mound and circular grove of trees protects its interior seclusion; its exterior is etched with the names of the living survivors and those who helped with search and rescue efforts.
