World Trade Center Site
Memorial Competition Entry
...memory field
The Memorial Mission Statement embodied the following principles as fundamental
to the design of the World Trade Center Site Memorial
...remember
...respect
...recognize
...reawaken
...resolve
The Memorial Program Elements combine with these principles to define the
"...memory field " as a democratic response, without hierarchy, to those
who lost their lives, equally balanced with the contributions of those who
aided in rescue and recovery.
The persistence of our collective memory is the conceptual underpinning of
this Memorial Design.
...the memory field proposes that the
magnitude of lives lost be remembered as individual memorial elements, placed
across an open landscape. Grouping of these individual memorials are organized
to suit the separate events of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001.
This concept of memory, made large through repetition, honors three thousand
and twenty two individuals. Each Memorial will evolve over time as family,
friends and visitors search, find and remember their loved ones.
...the liberty wall garden provides an
area for contemplation in addition to the quiet visitation anticipated in
the "...memory field ". A singular tree, uniting all those who were lost,
will be planted at the inauguration.
...the slurry wall sanctuary is a topographic
site "berm" element providing a gathering area for the families and loved
ones of the victims. It is a place contemplation, ceremonies and dedications.
...the unidentified remains are contained in two translucent internment
chambers embedded in the "...memory field ", accessible from September 11
Place, Liberty Wall Garden, Slurry Wall Berm Sanctuary and the Tower Parks.
...the tower parks recognize the World
Trade Center North and South Tower footprints. These parks are memorialized
by the delineation of the perimeter and office floor plans of the towers.
...the south west portal provides public
processional access to all "...memory field " areas and accommodates public
services; meeting point, rest rooms, etc.
...the wall of heroes ramps lead from
West Street and Liberty Street to the North and South Tower Parks. Each ramp
is scaled to accept processional and ceremonial access to the "...memory
field " and is a powerful reminder of temporary ramps established by the rescue
workers. The walls invite personal expression; photos, letters, candles,
flowers, etc.
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