Lower Manhattan, New York
The Memorial has been conceived of as a "precinct" or a "zone" rather than an isolated space or an iconic object. The events of September 11 affected not only the victims and their families, but the City and the society at large. The number and diversity of lives randomly thrown together in this tragedy, and the impossibility of recovering so many of the remains, compelled us to think of a memorial that could accommodate the multitude of thoughts and feelings projected onto and taken away from this place. It is designed not to have a specific narrative program but to be open to evolving interpretation and accumulation of insights about the event. It contains six major elements:
- Outer Ring: a zone surrounding the site, which defines the limit of the memorial (its boundaries were largely inspired by the Fire Department map showing locations of victims and extent of damage)
- Mound: an inner precinct and contemplative garden
- Dispersed Field: permanent and temporary "markers", some with personal significance, some created by artists, others by victims' friends and family
- Crossroads: a symbolic public meeting place, a metaphorical coming together of the world
- Global Communicator: individual teleconference screens linked to counterparts throughout the world
- Testimonial Walls: a repository for the feelings and thoughts of the visitors