A group of thirteen judges chose eight designs out of around 5,201 sumbitted. All the designes are beautiful and symbolize the earth and its componets. All the names of the victims from 92 countries will be displayed at the new memorial.
The names of the victims of the WTC 1993 bombing will also be displayed at the memorial. The remains of all those who could not be identified will be interred in one area of the memorial. They may be tested further in the future when scientist have more advanced DNA capabilities.
I like some aspects of all eight entrants but I must say I like two the best. The first one is "Suspending Memory". I find I like the thought of a pool and the memorial suspended above the pool. It seems more open to me and not underground. I think most of the victims families prefer the memorials to be mostly above ground and the bases of the twin towers not to be built upon. Makes sense to me.
The second design I like is "Passages of Light, Memorial Cloud". It is partially underground but its light and airy feel make it seem as if one is floating on a cloud.
I would not like to be the final word on the choice of the memorial. I do think the families of the victims should have a great input upon the final decision.
The final decision will be made by the end of this year.
