9/11 Logan Airport Memorial Physical Description

Varying slightly in length, each of these white 5' wide paths contain a horizontal stainless steel handrail that stretches the full distance of the path. Two large ramp-like structuresrise from the end of each of meandering trail. Reaching a height of 16 feet, the shape of this "stair-less" ramp structure is implied by the sudden ascending slope of the continuous steel handrail. Each path contains one stair-less ramp facing west towards American Airlines Flight #11 and United Airlines Flight #175's intended destination.

Similar to the portable stair units used at the airport to load and unload passengers, these tall, lightweight ramp structures establish an important analogy between this contemporary memorial and New England's unique maritime history. Historically, the structure is similar in function with the long narrow portable platforms employed by communities for centuries when anticipating a departure or arrival from of an ocean vessel. We recognize this abstract ramp as reference to a transitional structure that permits a convergence & release of passengers, from land, sea & air.

When we exit the Hilton Hotels' lobby and walk south down the sidewalk, we enter the site by crossing over the Hotel Drive into the flat grassy area. On ground level, we first experience the constant flow of air and automobile traffic both visually and audibly. By intentionally leaving the site exposed to these elements, we are simultaneously reminded of the airport communities continued resolve and the transitory nature of life.

As we enter into the site facing south, on our left and on our right we approach the beginning of each of the 6' wide white marble paths. Both path entrances appear to be similar in shape and material. Our eyes are drawn closer to these simple entrances and we discover that chiseled into each of the black marble curb bases is inscribed the flight number of the lost vessel, the time of departure and the date. Facing south, the path for Flight #175 begins on our right, and the path for Flight #11 begins on our left. The paths extend into the grassy site, diverging briefly from each other then meet again at the western corner of the site. At this point both stair-less ramps ascend dramatically into the air.

When we begin to walk down the path on our right designated for Flight #175, we quickly notice that fastened to the top of the handrail in stainless steel text is the names of the crew and passengers of flight #175. As we walk slowly down the path an intimate, private, tactile experience occurs when we trace our fingers across the relief of the letters. Standing within this open circuit outlined by the two gracefully meandering lines, we feel as if the memorial is embracing us. The names of the crew and passengers are similarly documented on the adjacent path.

Each letter placed on the top of the 2" diameter stainless steel rail has a height of 1/2" and a relief height of 1/8". Starting with the names of the captains, each name is equally spaced for the duration of the path. The font chosen for the handrail and the black marble base inscription corresponds to the font used at the Gloucester Fisherman's Statue. The length of the flight #175 path and handrail on our right is roughly 344' long when the names stop. At this point, an additional handrail joins the original to create the first stair-less ramp ascending to a height of 16.5'. The 103 names of the lost crew and passengers of flight #11 are similarly listed on the left handrail with path duration of 500'. A stair-less ramp also rises to the same height at the west end of this path.

As we stand at the west corner of the 1.6 acre site where each path ends, the pair of ramps dramatically ascend upwards. Our heads rise as our eyes follow the thin stainless steel hand rail as it leaves the earth and extends into space. The vastness of the sky, similar to the vastness of the sea, is illuminated as we continue to ponder through space the lives that have been lost in these vessels.

As we leave the site, Once again from an elevated perspective, we experience the two thin white trails fading into the horizon. For night viewing, unobtrusive lights are installed flush with the ground, facing upwards.

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