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A Letter From the Designer
On behalf of the memorial design team, I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Partners for creating an open, democratic design selection process. In particular, I would like to express deep gratitude to the families of the passengers and crew of Flight 93 for entrusting us with the solemn but inspiring responsibility of publicly remembering their loved ones through our memorial design.
The Flight 93 National Memorial design sets forth a new form unique to its landscape and the historic event on September 11, 2001. We have created a memorial design that is open to natural change, variety through the seasons and maturity over time; open to emotional experience, individual interpretation and personal contemplation; and open to the spirit of truth and freedom of expression that the passengers and crew fought to defend.
The memorial landscape is a scarred but beautiful place. It has been layered with various uses, forests, farmland, coal mining, and the violent impact of Flight 93. The memorial design recalls the site’s history but looks deeper to the timeless qualities of the land, its stark serenity and tranquil beauty. These qualities, transformed on September 11, 2001, are the sources of the memorial’s expressive power.
The memory of the 40 heroes who chose to make a difference that day will continue to live in this now sacred place. The land that has received them offers solace through its beauty. We have tried to heighten this beauty and enhance the monumental forms of the land to recognize and honor the heroic and generous acts of courage of the passengers and crew of Flight 93. Here, in their final resting place, the power of their everlasting presence will offer us courage and inspiration forever.
The Flight 93 National Memorial design described in this newsletter is an evolution of the design announced two months ago. Design refinements reflect public comment during and after the competition, conversations with the Partners, the competition Stage 2 Jury comments and issues related to the General Management Plan. In the months to come, the design will continue to develop as more implementation issues are identified. The following images show the site in Autumn, when the colors of the rural landscape are at their most dramatic.
Paul Murdoch
President, Paul Murdoch Architects
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