Summary and response for Arad and Walker, Reflecting Absence - Essay Example

Reflecting Absence ‘Reflecting Absence’ was written by Michael Arad and Peter Walker and it concerns a proposal for a hypothetical memorial that could be built on the site of the 9/11 tragedy where the World Trade Center towers were destroyed. One of the predominant themes of the memorial is that it will be built with an understanding of the pain and tragedy the victims have experienced. The article states, “This memorial proposes a space that resonates with the feelings of loss and absence that were generated by the destruction of the World Trade Center” (Arad & Walker, Web).

Two large designated areas will be built, both of which contain pools. These designated areas represent the footprints of the two World Trade Center towers. Deciduous trees will be included throughout the park. The two designated areas also contain a ramp that leads down into the areas. This is intended to have the effect of removing the public from the noise and bustle of the city and create a solemn area. In this area there is also a ribbon of names that is intended to underline the enormity of the tragedy.

The names are placed in no particular order as the authors indicate, “I have found that any arrangement that tries to impose meaning through physical adjacency will cause grief and anguish to people who might be excluded from that process, furthering the sense of loss that they are already suffering” (Arad & Walker, Web). There is a passageway between the two areas that can be used for remembrance. In this area visitors are able to leave candles or artifacts to commemorate the tragedy. There is also a passageway that leads to an underground complex.

In this area there is room for lectures, a research library, as well as a museum that includes remnants of the tragedy (twisted steel, a crushed fire engine). Ultimately, the authors indicate that this memorial is intended as a place of remembrance for both the city and the victims of the tragedy. Furthermore, the area is designed to work seamlessly into the urban landscape, as well as working as an area of meditation. When considering the Reflecting Absence memorial I hold a number of conflicting viewpoints on the ultimate efficacy of the project.

When considering the aesthetic elements of the memorial it seems that the architects have done an excellent job of creating a subtle and meditative atmosphere. For example, the two pools operating to commemorate the fallen towers are effective elements. Similarly, the water inside the designated areas and the deciduous trees outlining the memorial are sound elements that contribute to the commemorative elements of the memorial. The inclusion of the trees within the urban landscape of New York, New York function through adding a much needed juxtaposition to the surrounding concrete cityscape, as well as working efficiently to create the intended meditative atmosphere.

It is difficult to attain a strong mental image of the names that will outline the two designated areas, so it is difficult to determine if they truly achieve the intended effect of being non-disruptive to family members of the victims. One can consider the Vietnam memorial that includes the names with a structured order as a counterpoint to this element. When considering the underground area that is noted to include an area for lectures, a research library, and a museum, it seems that the architects might have extended the scope of the project too far.

It seems incongruous that while the names of the victims have been displayed in a manner to not disturb their families, the site still includes an almost carnival like display of remnants of the tragedy. By potentially including a crushed fire-truck, or twisted steel leftover from the tragedy, the memorial opens itself to individuals that are more concerned with viewing elements of spectacle, rather than truly commemorating the victims. ReferencesMichael Arad, M., Walker, P. ‘Reflecting Absence’ World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition http://www.

wtcsitememorial.org/fin7.html