11/05/03 – 12:25 pm

The answer is simple. WTC Memorial has to be the most beautiful cemetery in the world. How to accomplish it? Here is the answer, www.webconcotions.com

W.S.

09/11/03 – 8:48 pm
Rebuild the WTC

I personaly think we should rebuild the Twin Towers.They should not look exactly the same as before because that would bring back to many pain-ful memories to people.They should have the same concept but a more new fresh look to them since it would be a fresh start.

Ashley
Goodyear, Az

08/18/03 – 11:10 am
Another building concept

I just wanted to put in my two cents.

My proposal is to create at least one grand spire which is as tall or taller than the original towers. However, due to the prospect that future tenants may be nervous about renting 'super high' spaces, the actual inhabited parts of the building would not exceed 50 or 60 stories. The remainder of the spire would be a sculptural element.

"This would be spectacular monument, topping a spectacular building. The spire could have observation decks. The entire structure would be brilliantly illuminated at night. Other, lower spires would be connected to the main spire by sky bridges, which would also serve as escape routes should an emergency occur.

"I created these designs soon after visiting ground zero last October. It is important to me and my family that this area be brought back to life.

I have also collaborated with Amsterdam Artist, Ricky Seabra,in the design competition for the 9/11 memorial sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. mywebpages.comcast.net/keim4/index101.html

Ray Keim
Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

05/23/03 – 10:01 am
Still against any changes!!!

I don't support and I never will any changes to WTC. In my opinion it should be rebuild as it was before. The only changes I can accept may concern on the technology of building but not the design and look itself.

Marek
Kielce, Poland

03/07/03 – 8:20 pm
Rebuild the WTC

Rebuild them exactly the same visually but with extensive improvements on strength and structure design and better evacuation points in the buildings. Let's show those bastard terrorists they have NOT won! They were taken away without consent and have changed the New York skyline and MUST BE PUT BACK!! Nothing else or any other design can replace them. They should also stand again as a memorial to all the innocent lives lost on sept 11.

Adam
Australia

02/27/03 – 11:47 pm
Perhaps this will strike a chord with somebody

"Creation from negation"
homepage.mac.com/shaunchu/pics/WTC/PhotoAlbum12.html

Shaun Chu shaunchu@mac.com

02/24/03 – 5:58 pm
Remaking the Zero. An extremely late entry for Ground Zero

Big is what built the World Trade Center.
Ask David Rockefeller.

But maybe we should try to rethink what being big really is.

Ground Zero will always be a target especially if we rebuild the norm.
The meaning of the Zero needs to be re-designed first.

Move the United Nations to Ground Zero.
Swap the land and build upon something rather than attempting to idealize.
Renovate rather than construct.

Make it a place that is more pro-active rather than reactive.
Make it a place that rebuilds our commitment to an institution we started.
Make the United Nations also work to remember and build upon.

Change the Zero from destruction to discussion.
Show how big we really are.

On practical terms the UN Headquarters is falling apart and in late December the General Assembly approved a 1 billion dollar construction budget for its renovation [funding to be determined]. In addition, the City of New York has agreed to build a 350 million dollar office building adjacent to the UN, on city land, for the UN?s use during renovation. A preliminary budget of 1.4 billion to renovate the UN?

What if:
The Port Authority swaps land [compensation by way of substitution] with the United Nations. The sites are similar in size [16 acres for ground zero and 18 acres for the UN].

Silverstein purchases and develops the UN site as mixed-use development [maybe even combining it with the Con Ed site currently under consideration for development] with the Port Authority retaining waterfront rights.

The downtown grid is re-established, a memorial is enabled without obstructions, and the United Nations weaves its administrative functions within the existing/new buildings of downtown while also creating a ?secure? place of assembly either within ground zero or possibly perched out in the Hudson.

George Boyle
tribeca.new york

02/10/03 – 8:00 am
General

Hello. I think ground zero should be honoured with a type of building which should incorporate public buildings and of course a memorial. maybe Frank Gehry should be considered or lloyd wright. All the best!

mansoor shehu mansooracrh@yahoo.com
Kaduna, Nigeria. student

02/07/03 – 2:08 pm
General

There are PROS and CONS to ANY design. One achieving more in one aspect and less in another, then vice versa. Since many designs are by thoughtful individuals, much of what they offer has merit (more or less). There is a struggle between the desire to remember the old and progress with the new. Keeping in mind that any design is attempting to outweigh the CONS with the PROS, consider some imagery from somewhat an unusual place; The movie "Bicentennial Man"(1999) depicts a futuristic New York (1hr,5min into the film). Consider the PROS and CONS of the WTC depicted. More CONS?, or more PROS? Just wanted to throw that out there.

Pete Rafalik, AAIA gypsy-dog@consultant.com

02/06/03 – 12:01 pm
WTC

My design calls for the former height to be the building length. I sent Kevin Lynch a copy of my design but he hasn't responded to it nor has he returned my phone call. Why would anyone want to repeat the same height that was so easily made a target? I hope Mr. Silverstein reviews my design in particular because it memorializes the perceived grandiosity of the Twin Towers, embraces revered historical precedents and gives less terrifying, but equally inventive opportunity to the structural design community so completely married to commercial architectural design. I am not a registered architect but I design additions and houses and fancy interiors in Stamford, CT and environs and I also do custom and handmade ceramic tile, most recently at News Walk Co-op in Brooklyn. I lead builders all the time and could easily direct a very good architectural office with ideas. I am an artist.

Stephanie Mark stephipepper1@aol.com
self-employed in Stamford, CT

01/19/03– 10:07 pm
WTC Design Proposal Final Design

Hello, My name's Elthon DeCastillo, Architect/Engineer in the State of FL. I have read some of your comments for the WTC Site, and I must say that a lot of the suggestions are interesting. Like all of us, I also have a proposal of my own for the Site, and also, like you all, I too believe that my own would represent the ideal design for the Site. I can understand this because half of us or most of us are young, and we are learning the profession of Architecture and its process and structure and ideals. What I would say instead is that all the Design Proposals made, those picked and unpicked should be given the freedom of be thought as Great Designs. These Architects who have contributed their designs for the Site should be looked upon not as mere mediocry nor should we allow ourselves to think of them as people without the slightest idea of what they're doing. These are architects, like many of us will be someday. They have dedicated themselves to execute what they have done thus far. Any of these designs picked will be the ideal design for the Site. One thing I like to point out is that we cannot re-build the old WTC again, not because of what it would create to the human perception, but because the WTC, designed by Fazlur Khan, was the only and unique WTC in its time. We cannot bring a Parthenon to the YEar 2003. By rebuilding the same towers would be cloning one of our family members. We are architects, we should look for uniqueness and look into the future taking into an account of the past and present. Thank you.

Defortaleza, DCP, Ltd.,Architects elthon@e-architect.com
Miami, FL

12/28/02 – 2:48 pm
build Frank Lloyd Wright's skyscraper on WTC site

I am a senior in High School, interested in pursuing architecture as a career. During my free time, I have come up with these plans for the wtc site.

It involves four buildings around the site with an open memorial in the center. Connecting all buildings would be a five-pointed star made up of gray granite triangles that have the name of someone who lost their life on September 11. In the center of the circle, I envision a steel cone engraved with the names of the firemen, police, and military personnel who lost their lives. Each point of the star would lead to the main entrance to each building, with one building, the memorial one, having two entrances.

The tallest building would rise 45 stories, then two middle towers rise 30 and the memorial building would rise 15. The tallest tower would be deticated to offices and would be more like the Sears tower than the image shown. This would allow for more corner offices and greater stability. The buildign with the slanted roof would be apartments and condos with the bottom 5 floors designed to be a shopping mall. The other 30 story tower would be all residential. The shortest tower would be dedicated to memorial and travelling exhibits.

Joe Simon IV j-simon13@attbi.com

12/26/02 – 2:50 pm
build Frank Lloyd Wright's skyscraper on WTC site

Hey hello! why not build Frank Lloyd Wright's skyscraper on the WTC site? I saw the design for it once it was HUGE and he is America's greatest architect. From what i have seen so far i think the designs are lame.

Jim

12/20/02 – 4:55 pm
WTC TWIN TOWERS

The architects have certainly given great ideas. I have the best vision of the WTC: 3673 feet height twin towers ie, the Gateway Lantern concept.There are full detailed descriptions and design sketches at www.chai.tv Enjoy Chai Vision.

Raymond Chai raymond@chai.tv
Sydney

12/20/02 – 2:40 pm
built the same

i'm from mexico and i'm 14 yrs-old. i think that they should build the exact same ones as they were.and build an area of trees and all that stuff at the bottom and don't be scared that the terrorists are going to crash them with the planes because if ya'll are really going to build that 120-story one, well, what's the difference? build the exact same twin towers, the exact color and everything. and show the terrorists that there they are again and that they haven't ruined the american architecture. you know they are big HATERS because they don't have anything. if not, my vote is fot the twin towers that stand together and kiss at the top... oh and by the way build one of these in mexico city. write back ya'll

javier vasquez jvr_69@hotmail.com
dallas tx

12/20/02 – 12:50 pm
NEW WTC

I've read some interactive website user comments, and some people are saying what I've always considered to be correct: the biggest act of defiance against our attackers would be to build 'em back exactly as they were. The emotional issue of preserving the original sites as memorials, however, always comes into play, but I wish someone would grab-the-bull-by-the-horns and suggest exact replicas...maybe in reflective glass to suggest a slightly ethereal quality, raise the buildings off the ground to acknowledge the original footprints, add some special treatment at the levels of impact (memorial skyparks or the like), and while a slight distraction from the original design, connecting "bridges" are probably a good idea...but essentially restore the essence of the original NYC skyline.

Frank A. Nicoletti, R.A. fanicoletti@chasnic.com
NYC

12/20/02 – 12:16 pm
WTC plans

How about a pyramid? Simple, strong and allows for innovation as to detailed designs and materials to be used. Could be built on a square with each side as much as 800 feet and height of 800 to 1,400 feet or so. Downtown does not need all the commercial space lost September 11.

I worked at 22 Cortlandt Street with an office overlooking the site, witnessing digging of the hole to completion of the towers. Don't forget wind tunnel tests (not done for the towers) causing a huge retrofit for 22 Cortlandt Street. Rumors persisted that the Port Authority exempted the towers from the usual standards for processing sewage. One hopes the rumors untrue but, in any case, no such exemption would be allowed for the replacement.

R. Montgomery rmntgmry@chartertn.net
Lenoir City, TN

12/20/02 – 10:08 pm
Leave it be

My comment is more of a question. I am a lowly Engineer who has a preliminary design for what the new WTC should look like from my perspective. The problem is that I don't or didn't know where to submit it. It's probably closed to the public but my design is based around keeping everyone happy. It gives recognition to those who lost their lives and provides symbolism to the world as to what the USA is about, while providing the necessary office space, Mall, recreation areas etc. Is it too late to submit?

David dom68@rcn.com

12/19/02 – 6:18 pm
Leave it be

I think that we should build the WTC back the same way that they were. Everyone wants them back, the way that they were. Instead people are getting ideas that look like it's way into the future. I liked them just the way that they were. If they were to be build like that way again, we just make them stronger, and better, but looking the same way. We need to show everyone else, that we are not afraid of anyone or anything. We have power, other people just need to see it. So we should build it the way it was, but also have a memorial right next to it, for the fallen people.

NJ woman
NJ

12/19/02 – 4:33 pm
Tower Design

If it is feasible from an engineering perspective, a taller tower, which incorporates the latest in design principles in terms of structural strength, visual finesse and space functionality.

I favor the Foster & Partners design, based on the architectural submittals to date.

Dean Plassaras dplassaras@agspanos.com
Stockton, CA

12/18/02 – 11:36 pm

it should be bigger and better...
in defience

12/18/02 – 6:55 pm
World Trade Center

Dear Sir or Madam,

I think a partial memorial office space as well as an observation area. Building two tall towers I do not think is a bad idea, because it will be a landmark for New York. I think the threat of terrorism can be avoided and we are more aware since 9/11. New York is famous for its skyscrapers, and I hope to see two tall buildings there like the World Trade Center.

Not a day goes by when I do not think about the towers alongside the people who died in them. I would like to see New York as the hustling bustling city as it used to be. The city of many dreams.

I live in a small town in the Northeast of England called Redcar. a person from our area died in the 9/11 attack. He was from another town called Durham. Thank you for reading my e-mail.

Peter Ball peterd.ball@ntlworld.com
Redcar

12/18/02 – 11:52 am
WTC Site

Come on already! We all know that the only thing that will be right on this site is nothing less than the tallest structure that is possible. When the hell are we going wake up the politicians, and get them behind this? Enough already with weakness on this issue, moaning that it is hallowed ground, and whatnot. We need the strong symbol of the Towers. We will one day soon need all the space that was lost on 9/11, and most importantly, we need to memorialize those who we lost on that day. If you think that some park space is going to do it, move to Oklahoma City you spineless jellyfish!

Lance
NYC Baby!

12/11/02 – 9:23 pm
Rebuild the towers but engineer them better

I think that the towers should be rebuilt as two towers similar to the original, but taller. The outside of the building should be similar to the original. My thought would be to use the original plans for the wtc, but incorporate four aditional supports at the corners of the of the floor plan. These pillars should run up the entire height of the building. I think that they should be constructed with the concrete/steel method that is commonly being used. They should be placed away from the outside walls so that they do not obstruct any windowspace. They should also be designed to be strong enough so that they could support the building in the event of three of the five total supports (one main center and four corner supports) are damaged. They could also house additional stair wells. Because these supports take away from the total floor space available, the towers would have to be built taller if they maintain the same ground dimensions. This would also make the new WTC the tallest tower(s) in the world.

Allan froehlia@msoe.edu
Student, Milwaukee School of Engineering

12/07/02– 6:01 pm
Other Proposal

My name is Erik Sieb and I have put together a Canadian team to develop a concept for a replacement of the former World Trade Center in New York. www.memorialcircle.org

No other project (up to now) has intergrate all the requirements from all parties involved.

Erik Sieb Sieb@memorialcircle.org
Quebec city

12/04/02– 8:43 pm
WTC

I think that they should build the twin towers back up 200.

12/03/02– 3:09 pm
WTC

Rebuild the original world trade centers. They were a marvel and were symbols of the true american dream, being better and bigger that everyone else.

morgan minton
mopunk14@aol.com

11/20/02 – 11:38 pm
re-planning the world trade center

it's heartbreaking to see the world's tallest buildings destroyed but even more heartbreaking to see the delay in restructuring and large scale planning for the site. i think there should be a memorial for the victims but i also think buildings even taller than the twin towers should be built in new york simply to show terrorist and the world that america can and will prevail.

wonder mike
chicago

11/18/02 – 8:42 pm

I think they should put three buildings that say 9/11 or build two more WTC's

T.B.S Eslimshady01@aol.com

11/09/02 – 10:05 pm
Something new, Something special and something different.

A park would be a cemetery. The old buildings only reminders. I'd walk by them wondering when they were going to fall down again. they would be eerie to see again, even though we all want them back. I think something more innovative shoud be placed there. something with commercial and residential mixed and something that doesn't look like it's from the 60's. I found this site, it was an interesting idea. www.wtc2002.com/start.lasso

I also kinda liked the one that had the rotating restaurant on top of it as well, that would be a neat addition to new york city. overall though, I really don't think that the original buildings should be put back there, I for one would be scared of them. they weren't that beautiful anyways and we all know they were shoeboxes. They were just REALLY tall. but were surpassed in only a few years. Give us something that the world will travel from all over to marvel over. give us the future.

chris
Manhattan

11/07/02 –12:45 pm
WTC Replacement Plans

I would like to see a MEMORIAL, sort of a Gigantic "White Sphere Globe" (white for peace and brotherhood), with a memorial inside. The structure could be surrounded by peaceful lawns, fountains, outdoor sculptures, landscaping and the "eerie fallen structure" as seen at the time of the collapse, with lots flags, lots of patriotic American flags! Sculpted birds sweeping away from ground level toward the sky would give such a Memorial "Spirit and Faith", and would represent the deceased, and each person's name (all of them) should be engraved. The sphere could contain all the photos from 9/12 Memorials with engraved pictures, posters or mockups of the once-beautiful towers, dedications to Police/Fire fighters, stories behind the scenes of those who both lost their lives and those who escaped. Also "wall sculptures" in rock representing the "rise and fall" of the Twin Towers. Their magnificence should never be forgotten. To replace HEIGHT, I would like to see a very high monument (but not a building to house people), well lighted at night, similar to Seattle's landmark. Whatever the structure is, it could be a shoppers mall and Museum, where we should come away and "learn from it", "remember it", and it should represent a PEACEFUL PLACE where people can relax, communicate and remember.... It should represent that Americans are a peaceful people, that War is not our goal, etc. The structure should represent a symbol of the TWIN TOWERS in some respect, but could be a symbol that "we have moved on"....lest WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Lorene Alston Nalstonusa@aol.com
Livingston, TX

11/05/02 –11:49 pM
No appropriate replacement

Although plenty of good designs have been coming forth lately, I have yet to see one appropriate for the WTC site. Whatever does go on the site should not be designed with the intent to replace the twin towers but it should encompass all that they were and represented. It should also include some void or lack of structure somewhere on the ground level as a memorial. The absence of built environment sometimes makes an even bolder statement than a monument. It reminds me of LeCorbusier's philosophy on monument and alot of the designs that are surfacing are falling into the trap of 'trying too hard to be a monument.' You may as well put up a huge sign that says "I AM A MONUMENT." I do agree with the idea of a new structure being taller as someone suggested earlier. There are many statements that could be made from that. We are closer to God or Heaven or just a general uplifting in American culture. It also says we are not afraid to put something else in that path and it says that we are ready to defend. Overall, yes, something should be built, but not as a replacement, and it should include a void space as a memorial monument and not something trying desperately to be that monument.

Xavier Sotomayor xavnow@yahoo.com
student, Houston, TX

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