2006 | Phoenix, AZ | Public Memorial | 2,000 sq ft
Timelines, history, and a spectrum of emotional responses are laser cut into a circular steel canopy. Words materialize, grow legible, then disappear in combinations dictated by the sun’s changing positions. A beam fragment salvaged from Ground Zero sits atop a concrete base on the northern edge of the memorial, illuminated by a circle of sunlight at 12:00 noon every September 11th. Masonry rubble from the Pentagon attack and a handful of Flight 93 Shanksville dirt was ceremoniously mixed into the wet concrete forming the fragment’s base. Located in the Arizona State Capital Mall.
Moving Memories
Memory is the sun that lights the material of history.
The sun moves.
The memory of September 11, 2001 casts a shadow from New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville Pennsylvania to, and through, us here in Arizona.
It is the shadow of many decisions and nearly 3,000 lives lost. This memorial intends to bring them to light for you.
Here, from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon, the sun reveals descriptions of that day’s decisions and reactions.
The sun moves.
Our memories appear then transform in time.
The combination of letters and shadows before you represents the approximate number of people killed in the attack.
That day’s memory is made tangible by the piece of steel beam, salvaged from the destroyed World Trade Center. It rests on the concrete pedestal that was mixed with rubble and dust from the Pentagon and earth from Shanksville Pennsylvania.
Decisions make history. Moving memories reveal it. The sun shines on us all.
by R.D. Phares
In collaboration with colab studio, llc.
Awards
2008
American Architecture Exhibition and Distinguished Building Awards
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design
2007
Valley Forward Association
Environmental Excellence Awards
Merit Award – Art in Public Places “Moving Memories” The Arizona 9/11 Memorial
Publications
Magazines:
2007
DESERT LIVING MAGAZINE (Formerly City AZ) – January
2006
AZ @ Work – Spring
2006
SOURCES & DESIGN – Winter
Newspapers:
2006
Arizona Republic, EDITORIAL Section – September 12
“Simple Words Create Memorial to Sept. 11th”
2006
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – September 10
“Arizona’s 9/11 memorial will be unveiled”
2006
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – August
“Designers will discuss state Sept. memorial” (Press Release)
2006
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – Tuesday, May 9
“Phoenix breaks ground on 9/11 memorial”
2006
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – September 12
“State dedicates 9/11 memorial”
2006
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – September
“Valley remembers Sept. 11” (Press Release)
2005
Arizona Republic, VALLEY & STATE Section – Friday, November 18
“9/11 memorial to use sunlight to get message across”
Announcing National Design Competition Winner
2005
Arizona Republic, EDITORIAL Section – Friday, December 2
“Remembering 9/11, Arizona Style”
TV – Film – Radio:
2006
ALL TV Channels 3, 5, 10, 12, 15 – Evening & Nightly News – September
9/11 Memorial
2006
KPHO TV Channel 8: Horizon – September
9/11 Memorial
2006
NPR Radio Broadcast – September
9/11 Memorial