<P> In January 2004 , Reflecting Absence , by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker , was selected from 5,201 entries from 63 countries as the winner of the LMDC 's design competition . Two 1 - acre ( 4,000 m ) pools with the largest man - made waterfalls in the United States comprise the footprints of the Twin Towers , symbolizing the loss of life and the physical void left by the attacks . The waterfalls are intended to mute the sounds of the city , making the site a contemplative sanctuary . Landscape architect Peter Walker planted many parts of the memorial with white oaks . More than 400 swamp white oak trees fill the Memorial plaza , enhancing the site 's reflective nature . </P>
<P> In January 2004 , Reflecting Absence , by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker , was selected from 5,201 entries from 63 countries as the winner of the LMDC 's design competition . Two 1 - acre ( 4,000 m ) pools with the largest man - made waterfalls in the United States comprise the footprints of the Twin Towers , symbolizing the loss of life and the physical void left by the attacks . The waterfalls are intended to mute the sounds of the city , making the site a contemplative sanctuary . Landscape architect Peter Walker planted many parts of the memorial with white oaks . More than 400 swamp white oak trees fill the Memorial plaza , enhancing the site 's reflective nature . </P>
what does the water at the 9 11 memorial represent
what does the water at the 9 11 memorial represent
intended to mute the sounds of the city , making the site a contemplative sanctuary
intended to mute the sounds of the city , making the site a contemplative sanctuary