The surface of the memorial plaza is punctuated by the linear rhythms of rows of deciduous trees, forming informal clusters, clearings and groves. This surface consists of a composition of stone pavers, plantings and low ground cover. Through its annual cycle of rebirth, the living park extends and deepens the experience of the memorial.

Bordering each pool is a pair of ramps that lead down to the memorial spaces. Descending into the memorial, visitors are removed from the sights and sounds of the city and immersed in a cool darkness. As they proceed, the sound of water falling grows louder, and more daylight filters in from below. At the bottom of their descent, they find themselves behind a thin curtain of water, staring out at an enormous pool. Surrounding this pool is a continuous ribbon of names. The enormity of this space and the multitude of names that form this endless ribbon underscore the vast scope of the destruction. Standing there at the water's edge, looking at a pool of water that is flowing away into an abyss, a visitor to the site can sense that what is beyond this curtain of water and ribbon of names is inaccessible.

In between the two pools is a short passageway that links them at this lower level. A single alcove is located along this passageway, containing a small dais where visitors can light a candle or leave an artifact in memory of loved ones. Across from it, in a small chamber, visitors might pause and contemplate. This space provides for gatherings, quiet reflection, and memorial services.



Along the western edge of the site, a deep fissure exposes the slurry wall from plaza level to bedrock and provides access via a stairway. Descending alongside its battered surfaces, visitors will witness the massive expanse of the original foundations. The entrance to the underground interpretive center is located at bedrock. Here visitors could view many preserved artifacts from the twin towers: twisted steel beams, a crushed fire truck, and personal effects. The underground interpretive center would contain exhibition areas as well as lecture halls and a research library.

In contrast with the public mandate of the underground interpretive center is the very private nature of the room for unidentified remains. It is situated at bedrock at the north tower footprint. Here a large stone vessel forms a centerpiece for the unidentified remains. A large opening in the ceiling connects this space to the sky above, and the sound of water shelters the space from the city. Family members can gather here for moments of private contemplation. It is a personal space for remembrance.



The memorial plaza is designed to be a mediating space; it belongs both to the city and to the memorial. Located at street level to allow for its integration into the fabric of the city, the plaza encourages the use of this space by New Yorkers on a daily basis. The memorial grounds will not be isolated from the rest of the city; they will be a living part of it.

13,683 contest
registrations were received.

5,201 memorial
designs were submitted.

Forty-nine U.S.
states were represented.

Sixty-three other
nations across six continents had participants.

It was the
largest design competition in history.

The Other
Finalist Designs
Click
the Images for More Info

Votives
in Suspension

Suspending
Memory

Passages
of Light: Memorial Cloud

Inversion
of Light

Lower
Waters

Garden
of Lights

Dual
Memory

Frequently
Asked Questions

What is the Memorial’s mission?

Remember and honor the thousands of innocent men, women, and children murdered by terrorists in the horrific attacks of February 26, 1993 and September 11, 2001. Respect the place made sacred through tragic loss. Recognize the endurance of those who survived, the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and the compassion of all who supported us in our darkest hours. May the lives remembered, the deeds recognized, and the spirit reawakened be eternal beacons, which reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to preserve freedom, and inspire an end to hatred, ignorance and intolerance.

Who designed the Memorial?

Michael Arad and Peter Walker are the architects of the Memorial, Reflecting Absence.

How was the Memorial design selected?

In April 2003, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation launched what became the largest design competition in history. Across six continents, from 63 nations and 49 states, 5,201 individuals answered the call to honor all who were killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993.

Describe the design and significance of the Memorial: Reflecting Absence.

The centerpiece of the Memorial are the two voids on the footprints of the two towers, containing recessed pools and cascades of water that fill the pools. The voids convey the loss felt by all of us on September 11, 2001. The Memorial Plaza at street level will be populated by hundreds of oak trees and provide an open clearing for events of remembrance.

What kind and how many trees will be in plaza surrounding the Memorial?

Over two hundred Swamp White Oak and Sweet Gums will be planted in the plaza surrounding the two voids.

What will I see in the Memorial Museum?

The Memorial Museum will tell the events of the day, highlight the profiles of those who died, those who suffered, those who helped, and all who cared. The Museum will do so with artifacts, video, photographs and sound.

When will the Memorial open?

Current plans are for 2009.

Related Links

World
Trade Center Site Memorial Competition, Main Page

Lower
Manhattan Development Corporation

Build
the Memorial Web Site

Reflecting
Absence

Architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker
unveiled their refined design for a memorial at the World Trade Center site, Reflecting Absence, honoring all those lost in the
terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 and February 26, 1993. They were joined by Governor
George E. Pataki, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the 13-member jury that selected the design.
The presentation took place in historic Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan, where the first US
Congress met and wrote the Bill of Rights, and George Washington was inaugurated as
President.



Governor Pataki said, “All that we do in Lower Manhattan is in memory of those we lost
on September 11th and in the 1993 bombing. The entire 16 acre site will be a living memorial with
‘Reflecting Absence’ as its centerpiece. This memorial will be a special place to remember the
thousands of lives cut short and recall the spirit and love of freedom which prevailed. Future
generations will be able to reflect upon the enormous loss and understand our pledge to never
forget the heroes from the tragic events. I want to thank the members of the jury and the LMDC
for their tremendous dedication to the memorial selection process, as well as Michael Arad and
Peter Walker for their truly inspirational design.”



Mayor Bloomberg said, “I applaud the selection of the design by Michael Arad and Peter
Walker, and I am proud that Michael is a New York City employee who works as an architect with
the Housing Authority. We will never forget those we lost at the World Trade Center. But this
memorial is not for us -- although we have been entrusted with its creation. It is for our children
and grandchildren. It is so those who visit that sacred ground know what happened there and why
so many people died to protect our freedoms. I believe that the design accomplishes that
important goal and that the memorial will serve as a strong spiritual focal point in a revitalized
Lower Manhattan."



John C. Whitehead, Chairman of the LMDC said, “A great number of dedicated people
have worked hard and long to make this dream a reality, a beautiful and fitting memorial and the
centerpiece of the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan. The jury of talented
professionals must be especially thanked for their untiring efforts. Generations to come will gather
here and remember and cherish our heroes lost but never forgotten.”



LMDC President Kevin M. Rampe said, “The distinguished jury has done great work and

selected what will be a tremendous memorial that will make our nation proud. The LMDC will

ensure the entire 16 acre World Trade Center site evolves as one living memorial, remembering

loss and reaffirming life in the aftermath of terror. The Freedom Tower will reclaim our skyline with

a proud new symbol of our nation’s resilience. The museum will tell the countless individual
stories of lives cut short and the unprecedented heroism we witnessed. The performing arts
center, the transportation hub, the commercial buildings, will restore culture and commerce - and
life - to the site in defiance of terrorism.”



Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development and Vice Chairman of the
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said, "I have always maintained that the memorial is
the priority for the site, and now with a design chosen, we have a better understanding of this
priority. The choice of 'Reflecting Absence' is yet another step forward for the Recovery of Lower
Manhattan. The openness of the memorial competition is something New Yorkers should take
pride in. We should also take pride in the fact a New Yorker has won the competition."



Marisel Morales, HUD Regional Director for New York and New Jersey said, "In my
opinion, I cannot help but think that all those who visit 'Reflecting Absence' will be deeply
impacted by the message it delivers. The powerful simplicity of the design evokes conflicting
emotions: a strong reminder of what was lost those fateful days and optimism and hope for the
future.”



A description of the design by Michael Arad and Peter Walker is attached, along with a

statement from the jury and biographies of both the designers.



The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation launched the international World Trade
Center Site Memorial Competition in April 2003. Guidelines for the competition were developed
based on the memorial mission statement and program. The mission statement guides the
creation and evolution of the memorial, while the program provides specific elements to be
included within the memorial, without dictating how they should be incorporated or inhibiting
creativity. The guiding documents were developed by two separate volunteer committees,
comprised of family members, residents, survivors, first responders, arts and architecture
professionals and community leaders. The documents were shaped by thousands of public
comments generated at public meetings in every borough, Long Island, Connecticut and New
Jersey, as well as comments received from around the world through letters and the LMDC’s
website.



In what became the largest design competition in history, 5,201 submissions were
received from 63 nations and 49 states. All 5,201 proposals were evaluated by a 13-member
memorial jury comprised of individuals representing various points of view, including world
renowned artists and architects, a family member, a Lower Manhattan resident and business
owner, representatives of the Governor and Mayor, and other prominent arts and cultural
professionals. The jury evaluated proposals in a two stage process based on how well each
design expressed the mission statement and program, as set forth in the competition guidelines.



The design, animation, bios and all relevant information about the World Trade Center

Memorial Competition can be viewed at www.WTCSiteMemorial.org. The design and

accompanying model will be on display in the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center.

The World Trade Center Memorial Foundation has been created to raise funds for the
memorial and will be formally launched later this month. Donations, made payable to the World
Trade Center Site Memorial Foundation, can be sent to: