Posted by  NKL on October 15, 2003 at 06:12:53:

In Reply to:  Re: Physical Memory, Tall Memorials posted by Brian on October 14, 2003 at 12:01:21:

I agree with you totally about collaboration. And, that the memorial should be visible from a great distance. Collaboration: Because so many people entered with the pure intent of memorializing those who died there, I really think you're right about the value of collaborating, sharing and refining ideas. On this project, egos might well have taken a backseat to doing the right thing. My most central idea would solve just about every problem and issue raised by the family members, but it runs the risk of being cheesy if not done well. This idea would definitely have benefitted from professional design help. My presentation board was sophmoric, at best, but it was the best I could do, alone, in the time given.

There are innumerable anonymous things and events that can kill a person, from gene mutation to earthquakes. What makes this event different is that the murderers themselves started by dehumanizing and anonymizing thousands of people. The same as most murders, but on an enormous scale. Humans denying the humanity and importance of fellow humans. The key feature of a democratic society is the value placed on the individual. America, in theory if not always in practice, is particularly known for this characteristic. The weak can become powerful, the poor rich... Unless of course, some brainwashed demogogues think it appropriate to rob them of all that potential. (For what, I still can't fathom.) This memorial should state unequivocally, "enough is enough, we're not willing to let another person be sacrificed in this pointless bloodbath."

I've never believed my design would be one of the best selected, but I chose a method of focussing heavily on the individuality of those lost and hoped it would be incorporated somehow into the final design. In short, I'm not waiting to see if I'm a finalist, I'm waiting to see of someone with talent hit upon an idea similar to or better than mine.

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