# World Trade Center Memorial chosen: "Reflecting Absence" **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 7, 2004, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-trade-center-memorial-chosen-reflecting-absence/223141 "2004-01-07T02:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Avalonian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee7513/32.png) [@Avalonian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Avalonian)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-trade-center-memorial-chosen-reflecting-absence/223141/1 "2004-01-07T02:51:40Z")
The final design for the World Trade Center Site Memorial has been chosen, and it is called [Reflecting Absence](http://www.wtcsitememorial.org/fin7.html). According to the website home page, “The renderings, animations and descriptions do not reflect significant changes made to the design, which will be unveiled next week.” However, you can at least get an idea of what it might look like and what the experience will be like from the page I have linked: > [@](#): > > **Visitors begin their descent into the memorial by entering one of these buildings. This descent removes them from the sights and sounds of the city and immerses them in a cool darkness. As they gradually proceed, step by step, 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 that flows endlessly towards a central void that remains empty. A ribbon of names surrounds this pool and the enormity of this space and the multitude of names lining it underscore the vast scope of the tragedy that took place at this site. 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.** I think this design is very appropriate – understated but meaningful. Also, it’s a very thoughtful design, and includes a place for family members of WTC victims only: > [@](#): > > **In between the two pools is a short passageway that links them at this subterranean level. At its center is a small alcove where visitors can light a candle. Across from it, a long corridor leads to a chamber that houses unidentified remains. This space is only open to family members and serves as a private contemplative space.** I’m impressed and pleased that a design was chosen that manages to convey the tragedy and the meaning of the site without being overdone or “in your face.” You can go to [this page](http://www.wtcsitememorial.org/finalists.html) and see the other finalists for the design of the site. What do you think? Would you have chosen the same one? One of the other finalists? Something completely different? ---
**Author:** ![sleeping](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/839c29/32.png) [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-trade-center-memorial-chosen-reflecting-absence/223141/2 "2004-01-07T03:10:39Z")
Yeah, it seems to me that that’s the best one. Although the proposal I really liked (I saw it in July 2002) isn’t listed. ---
**Author:** ![Priam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/77aa72/32.png) [@Priam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Priam)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2004, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-trade-center-memorial-chosen-reflecting-absence/223141/3 "2004-01-07T03:20:36Z")
I think, if I understand the concept correctly, its a wonderful and understated way to memorialize the tragedy without turning it into simple cliche. Hopefully it will turn out to be a piece that can provide introspection and healing for those who lost someone on that horrible day.