Memorial to 9/11 Victims Is Selected

Associated Press ^ | January 06, 2004 | Amy Westfeldt

[AntiGuv]

NEW YORK - Two pools of water with pine trees and a paved stone field has been chosen as the design for the World Trade Center memorial, capping an eight-month international contest that drew more than 5,000 submissions, The Associated Press has learned.

"Reflecting Absence" created by city designer Michael Arad, was chosen by a 13-member jury of artists, architects, civic and cultural leaders after months of intense deliberation that culminated in a marathon 12-hour-long meeting this week.

The decision was to be announced publicly later Tuesday.

[ezo4]

I wasnt expecting this. I like it. I think its good. Build it.

[Right_in_Virginia]

You know, it's almost as if I don't believe that the towers ever really existed -- I can't see them in my mind's eye anymore.

The gapping hole in the skyline is all I see when I come back to NY...whether by plane or Metroliner. I remember every moment in those buildings...they were spectacular.

[spookycc]

Your sentiments are shared by some New Yorkers, at least... On my first trip to Ground Zero (August 2002), there were stickers on many poles that had a drawing of the two towers with the words "We want them back".

[ezo4]

However on another spot/place I think this country should build the towers again but bigger a better. My hatred will always be there for those who knocked those towers down. The lives they destroyed

[vikk]

When is your pathetic excuse for a state going to sink into the sea?

[mvpel]

And after the attackers are ground into dust and fade into distant, vague memory, subjects of amusing vignettes on a future version of JayWalking, a clenched fist will no longer be a fitting memorial.

[thatdewd]

This in itself is victory; the attackers and their culture are erased, their destruction is rendered beautiful, and our America pauses for just a moment to reflect before continuing down the street to the next busy moment...

I didn't like it until I read your comment. You're right, thanks.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Bahahahaha!!

[My Dog Likes Me]

I was thinking along the same lines.
After the first attack, they established something called the "Peace Globe," in the WTC plaza that displayed the names of the 6 people who were killed by those nuts.

Now, we are expected to "Reflect on Absence"??? As if they died in a hurricane?? Please.

I think all parties in NYC need a 20 year time-out period on this matter. They still are not thinking clearly.

[Mark was here]

Amazing that some folks can not recognize sarcasm with out a label, thanks for offering proof positive.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Thank you Lil Sis.

[RobbyS]

Sterile, designed to deny that this place is hallowed ground.

[RobbyS]

Everything will depend on angles, and the mixture of light and shadow,and the blocking out of sound. I doubt that anyone walking through it will feel anything. It does not seem enough like the grave yard it is.

[RobbyS]

"The Wall" has the somber dignity of a tombstone. I think this is souless.

[cyncooper]

I agree with you two. I like it.

[#3Fan]

Look, it's better than nothing. How long are people going to complain about the new WTC design and memorials? Build it and get it over with. The time is now for cranes, cement and construction workers, not endless bickering from hand-wringers who have more input on the project than the relatives of 9/11 victims themselves.

I agree.

[xp38]

I doubt it. My personal design would have included Bin Laden's actual head on a pike. Never happen even if they captured him intact and alive but I can imagine it in my mind at least.

[finnman69]

I am convinced when people see these memorials and see the delineated space of the missing towers they will feel sadness and rage.

I guarantee it. It wont be just any memorial. In fact I can't think of existing one that will have the same effect.

[dmz]

and the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor? What does that look like?

A sunken hulk of a ship that was left by the attacks.

Does that suck also?

I'm glad we did not pick a design such as you describe. I'm glad a design was selected that memorializes (attempts to, whatever) the people who died, not the pissed off people who remain.