Michael Arad and Peter Walker designed the Reflecting Absence memorial for the victims of the 911 terrorist attack on Ground Zero, New York. Two sunken reflecting pools mark the footprint of the World Trade Towers that collapsed on September 11, 2001. Water cascades over black marble into these large rectangular fountains, which have sunken rectangular pits in the middle that descend farther into darkness. Names of the victims are etched in brass panels around the edges of the pits fountains.
The marble was cut to match grains so that it looks like one continuous sheen. Careful edge treatments allow the water to pour gracefully in one continuous wave. Underground passageways from the museum give views from behind the waves. These and other considerations ballooned the overall 9/11 memorial project over $500 million and caused cutbacks in other areas. A relatively frantic construction schedule also allowed it to open on September 12, 21010 for the event’s tenth anniversary.
Planted trees by Peter Walker and Partners continue the grid throughout the enormous site, transforming it into an urban park. The memorial museum breaks up this rigidity with flying fragments of buildings with a fierce wedge that cuts between the two pools. Freedom Tower stands closely at one end. A much anticipated project that has been plagued by budget gaps, scandal, and ridiculous delays is finally beginning to blossom.
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