The History and Background of 9/11 Memorial

 The 9/11 Memorial

When the 9/11 happened, in 2001, I was still a child, only knowing that the whole world is mourning for the victims. So that event left a deep impression on me. Also, because of my major, we had several times talked about the design of the 9/11 memorial. Since those reasons I really wanted to experience it, especially the two giant water pools which are my favorite part of the design.

The 9/11 Memorial is located at the erstwhile site of the World Trade Center. And the swamp white oak array was the first thing you will see when you come into the Memorial Plaza. Those trees come from different places, for instance, some trees are selected from “within a 500-mile radius” of the site, however, others come from Pennsylvania or Maryland near Washington, D.C. I think the reason why the designers have chosen oaks is that the oak itself is a symbol of the United States, and using the trees array just like the American soldiers who are guarding this area. In addition, those oaks are not indistinguishable, and they will grow up as various heights and different colors in different seasons. There are two giant 'voids containing recessed pools' in the center of the tree array and those are set within the base of the Twin Towers. And each of the two pools is a 43055 square feet area and 19 feet deep artificial waterfalls which merges into the central square abyss. The edge of the pool is a fence of metal. And the fence is made of black steel and engraved with the names of more than 3,000 victims. When the night is coming, the yellow light will be turned on which is behind the fence and makes the names of the victims glowing. And I think this is also a kind of memory of the victims.

Nowadays, this Plaza has been integrated into people's lives. It not only has a special commemorative meaning but also carries people's daily activities. There are lots of visitors who come from different parts around the world to visit and some people bring flowers to remember the victims who died. As well as some white-collars in the nearby skyscrapers enjoy their lunch and break time here. You can also see the couple come here with their children to enjoy the shade of the oak array and listen to the sound of the waterfall. In addition, on the 9/11 anniversary of each year, there are two blue strong laser beams emitting in the depths of the pool and shooting into the sky, like the Twin Towers, so it is also a memory of the lost.

For this research, I went to the square again this weekend. There are many people coming out to enjoy this sunny weekend, a happy and peaceful atmosphere filled the plaza. Moreover, as you approach any of the two giant black waterfalls, you will feel serenity. Furthermore, the huge sound of water will overwhelm the noise of the surrounding people. At the same time, there will be fine drops of water blowing on your face, bringing a little cool, when the breeze passes. In the 9/11 Memorial, you can fully enter your world, contemplating or memorializing the victims. I think that If you need to relax your brain in a hurried schedule, come here to listen to the sound of nature is also a good choice.

The History and Background of 9/11 Memorial

At around 9 am on September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked by terrorist attacks. And two nonmilitary aircraft were taken from Boston and were hijacked. Then they slammed into these two skyscrapers, that caused the death of nearly 3,000 people. Since then, this number, 911, has become a permanent pain in everyone's hearts. Because of that, the government and various organizations began to think about how to help people out of the shadow of disaster, and how to commemorate the victims. With such a purpose, the competition, LMDC, was born.

Furthermore, the idea of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum called 'Reflecting Absence', which is created by Michael Arad and Peter Walker. They are the winner of the LMDC's design competition which included 5201 entries from 63 countries. In addition, engineering of the fountain was designed by Delta Fountains. Also, there are cooperation plans for design and construction. The “9·11” National Memorial Museum began building under the operation of the World Trade Center Foundation, Inc., which officially began operations in the spring of 2005 and is associated with Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Additionally, this project began in March 2006 and the 9/11 Memorial was completed in May 2011, which was the 10th anniversary of 9/11. And the Museum was ended after one year.

From the idea of Peter Walker, the two 1-acre pools with artificial waterfalls in the erstwhile base of the Twin Tower symbolizes the loss of life and the physical left by the attacks. And the waterfalls can mute the sounds of the city which makes the site becoming a contemplative sanctuary.

Moreover, there are four missions of the 9/11 Memorial. First of all, commemorating the thousands of victims in these two attacks. Secondly, paying high tribute and commemoration to this place where the tragedies have occurred. Thirdly, recognizing those who have worked hard to survive and risk their lives to save others and those who support the sufferers. And thanks for the help they gave to the people who are in that attacks and let them go through the darkest moments. Lastly, hopping the life can remember these deeds, and hope that this spirit will wake up from sleep and become an eternal beacon, reaffirm respect for life, strengthen our resolve to maintain freedom, end hatred, and make us more tolerant and intelligent.