El 11th September 2021 Twenty years have passed since the tragic attack that shook the world: the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York. To honor the more than 20 victims who lost their lives and all those who suffered as a result of the attacks, an important monument and museum was erected at Ground Zero, where both towers were located.
9/11 Memorial: Monument of Hope and Renewal
With a clear environmental inspiration, the 9/11 Memorial It was designed by architect Michael Arad in collaboration with landscape architect Peter Walker. The memorial is located in the heart of the Lower manhattan, an 8-hectare green space that occupies half of the land where the Twin Towers once stood. The design is dominated by a peaceful atmosphere, far from the bustle of New York City.
The central message of the monument is that renewal y esperanza, reminding us that despite the pain and devastation, it is possible to build a brighter, more environmentally friendly future.
Memorial fountains and impressive visual effect
In the exact place where the North and South Towers were located, two large reflecting pools which stand out as the main element of the memorial. These fountains, also known as Reflecting Pools, are the largest in North America, measuring 54 metres on each side and with a continuous waterfall of 9 metres into a central cavity. Around them, the names of all the victims of the 2001 attacks and the first failed attack in 1993 were inscribed in bronze.
The water falls silently down the waterfalls, creating an atmosphere of reflection and serenity. The sound of the water is a resource designed to calm visitors, inviting them to meditate in a space of peace and respect.
Memorial trees and landscaping
Another environmental feature of the memorial is the more than 400 oaks surrounding the pools. These trees were not selected at random: each one comes from areas affected by 11/XNUMX, such as Pennsylvania and Maryland, and their arrangement simulates a small forest that renews its leaves every spring.
One of the most important symbolic elements of the landscape is the 'Survivor tree' (Survival Tree), a Callery pear tree that withstood the attacks and was rescued from the rubble, severely damaged. Today, this tree symbolizes resilience and rebirth after the disaster.
The 11/XNUMX Museum
Next to the monument is the 11/XNUMX Museum, which stands as an underground space with a large number of historical objects, photographs and videos that allow us to understand what happened before, during and after the attack.
The museum's collection is divided into three sections: the first recounts the events of the day of the attacks, the second examines the consequences on people's lives, and the third sheds light on the global impact of 11/XNUMX. The museum includes more than 40,000 objects, such as fragments of the towers, rescuers' equipment and even oral accounts from survivors.
The museum also houses original artifacts, such as the famous Last Column, the last fragment of the World Trade Center removed from Ground Zero.
LEED Certification: Environmentally Sustainable Monument
One of the great achievements of the 9/11 Memorial is its environmentally sustainable design, which has allowed it to obtain the LEED Gold CertificationThis recognition is given to those projects that stand out for their low carbon footprint, energy efficiency and sustainable use of water. Both the pools and the irrigation system take advantage of rainwater, storing it in underground tanks to irrigate the green area of ​​the memorial.
In addition, the Memorial has a suspended paving system which allows tree roots to grow healthily, without compacting the soil. This innovative design ensures the longevity of the trees and projects an image of harmony between construction and nature.
Guided tours and access to the Memorial
The Memorial is open to the public free of charge every day of the year. During the visit, tourists can access guided tours that will allow them to understand in depth each of the commemorative elements of the place. These visits can be scheduled from the official website of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and often include museum entrances.
El best time to visit the monument It is at dusk, when the lights begin to illuminate the inscriptions of the names around the pools, highlighting the contrast between the darkness and silence that envelops the area.
For a more introspective visit, a private ceremony is held each year on September 11 for the families of the victims, followed by a public memorial.
Given its high emotional impact, the museum organizers also offer psychological assistance for those who require it during their visit.
Tribute in Light: Tribute of lights
Every year on September 11th a special tribute known as the Tribute in LightThis tribute is characterized by the projection of two gigantic beams of light that illuminate the night sky of New York from the base of the monument, simulating the presence of the former Twin Towers. It is an emotional event that remembers all those who died during the attacks, and lasts from 18:00 p.m. until dawn the following day.
Visitors can enjoy this spectacle from any point in the city, although it is recommended to be close to the Zero zone to appreciate in greater detail the lights and the solemn atmosphere.
This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated moments for those attending the event, as it clearly symbolizes the city's resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
El 11-S Memorial It is not only a tribute to the victims of the largest attack on American soil, but also a sign that, with time, hope and nature can flourish, even in the darkest moments of humanity.