Don't Rush To Reconstruct WTC Towers

Gavriel Rosenfeld says rushing to reconstruct the World Trade Center towers would be a mistake. He cites historical examples of urban destruction, the importance of ruins, memorials designs, and the need to have authentic reminders of a tragedy.

1 minute read

September 24, 2001, 9:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"Already, there have been calls for the reconstruction of the towers as a sign of American resolve, and that wish to begin the physical recovery is perfectly understandable. But we also have a civic and moral obligation to commemorate the destruction...For while it is understandable, the rush to reconstruction complicates the process of mourning.the disappearance of authentic sites of tragedy makes coping with the past more difficult...I think if the European experience of reconstruction after the Second World War teaches us anything, it is that there is room for preserving the memory of tragedy alongside the pursuit of recovery."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: A True Memorial Lies in the Ruins

Sunday, September 23, 2001 in The Washington Post

Architecture New York

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.