David Rockwell: Building the Ground Zero viewing platform

TL;DR

Architect David Rockwell discusses the creation of a temporary viewing platform at Ground Zero in New York City after the September 11th attacks.

Transcript

Kurt Andersen: Like many architects, David is a hog for the limelight but is sufficiently reticent -- or at least pretends to be -- that he asked me to question him rather than speaking. In fact what we're going to talk about, I think, is in fact a subject that is probably better served by a conversation than an address. And I guess we have a bit o... Read More

Key Insights

• 📅 September 11th attacks caused many people to visit Ground Zero, leading to a need for more accessible viewing and a new way for people to visit and view the scene.
• A viewing platform was quickly designed and built to ease frustration and bring people closer to the site, allowing for a more complete understanding of the destruction.
• Ground Zero is a unique tourist site where people come to see what is no longer there, and the platform allows for a more dignified and reflective experience.
• The simple and humble materials used in the platform design aim to minimize filters between viewers and the experience, promoting a powerful dialogue about the future of the site.
• Collaboration was key in the development of the platform, with architects, designers, and artists coming together to create a quick, cheap, safe, respectful, and flexible solution.
• The platform is part of a larger master plan for the Ground Zero area and has sparked discussions about the future use of the site, including considerations for memorialization and rebuilding.
• The project faced challenges in terms of funding and bureaucracy, but a foundation was set up and private funding was secured to make the platform a reality.
• The platform's temporary nature aligns with the architect's belief in temporariness and evanescence, but it serves as a crucial piece of civic infrastructure that enables serious conversations about the site's future.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the inspiration behind the idea to create a viewing platform at Ground Zero?

After the September 11th attacks, architect David Rockwell felt compelled to find relevance and help immediately, leading to the idea of creating a design SWAT team to assist with the site.

Q: How did the design process for the viewing platform unfold?

The design for the platform was driven by the need for quick, cheap, safe, respectful, and flexible solutions, using humble materials like scaffolding and plywood to create a temporary structure.

Q: What challenges did Rockwell face when trying to fund the project?

Initially, a major developer withdrew funding, but through wide outreach and collaboration, the project received contributions from various sources, including a foundation and volunteer contractors.

Q: What vision does Rockwell have for the future of Ground Zero?

Rockwell believes there should be a broader dialogue about the site's usage and wants to encourage a multiplicity of ideas and uses, such as artist housing, through competitions and calls for proposals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Architect David Rockwell and his team designed and built a temporary viewing platform at Ground Zero in record time.

• The platform was made of simple materials like scaffolding and plywood, allowing people to get a closer look at the site.

• The project aimed to create a dignified and reflective space for visitors to remember and pay respect to the victims of 9/11.