The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation today announced that the World Trade Center Site Memorial Competition has attracted registrants from all fifty states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and over 70 nations around the world. In total, over 5,000 prospective participants have registered, making it potentially the largest design competition of its kind in history. With the registration deadline approaching, LMDC is launching a second wave of outreach as a reminder that all participants must register prior to May 29, 2003 via the competition website www.wtcsitememorial.org or via fax at 1-800-718-5699. The outreach will include the translation of a second press release into 22 languages, a second round of advertisements, and a press conference targeting international media outlets.
John C. Whitehead, LMDC Chairman said, “The memorial at the World Trade Center site will ensure that future generations never forget the thousands of people lost on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. I thank all of the participants in advance for investing their energy and applying their talent to help our nation reflect upon loss and celebrate life.”
Kevin M. Rampe, LMDC Interim President, said, “In just over two weeks, individuals from nearly half of the world’s nations have indicated their interest in participating in this competition. This overwhelming response is a testament to the global impact of the attacks and the world’s unwavering commitment to honor the thousands of innocent victims. We look forward to many inspirational designs to come.”
After the May 29th deadline, competitors will have until June 30, 2003 to submit their design for the memorial. A final design will be selected by the competition jury, who will evaluate the designs based on how they express the mission statement and program, as set forth in the competition guidelines. The jury will also take part in a forum in which the public can express opinions on how elements in the mission and program should be incorporated into the winning design. The forum, to be held on May 28, 2003 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at 199 Chamber Street in Lower Manhattan, will ensure that the jury is informed of the public’s aspirations with regard to the memorial, while entrusting jury members with the ultimate responsibility of selecting a final design. A webcast of the public forum will be available that night and for viewing in the weeks after on LMDC’s website, www.renewnyc.org. LMDC is also conducting targeted outreach to family members and Lower Manhattan community groups and organizations, ensuring that all residents, businesses, workers and survivors have an opportunity to share their views on the memorial.
The World Trade Center Site Memorial competition is open to adults 18 years of age or older, without regard to nationality or professional accreditation. The LMDC will bear the costs of administering the competition, and competitors are required to submit a registration fee of $25, which will be used toward the creation of the memorial.
