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I'm forwarding this message to the list at Mike
Cowham's request - he is having problems sending to the list. Mike's
email address is: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Dear Sundiallers,
Like everyone else in the civilised world we were shocked and stunned by recent events in the USA. The wounds will take a long time to heal leaving permanent scars in our minds and lives. Eventually we must think of the future - but that may be too early yet. My mind has already been thinking about how we can remember these murdered friends for ever. These are my thoughts:- The World Trade Center should never be rebuilt. The devastated area should be preserved as a monument to man's inhumanity to man, hopefully to unite the world against such future horrors. Imagine the area with a memorial chapel, perhaps rectangular in plan but wedge shaped with the roof at an angle of around 40° 45' and aligned N - S. Surrounding this chapel could be plain a ring of stones, (even made from broken concrete and twisted steel), perhaps 15 in total, with simple numerals carved into them or let into the paving beside them. Alternatively the stones could be in pairs up to 07:00, with one at 08:00 and none later. OK, the timing is not perfect, but you will get the idea. The sloping roof of the chapel could have a short projection to record that fateful hour and date as its shadow falls onto a simple plate set into the ground. Alternatively the edge of the building could be used. The names of all those lost could be in the chapel or carved around an extremity wall. In the roof of the chapel I see several stained glass strips, such that when the sunlight falls onto its occupants it creates coloured shadows. I am thinking of something like the baptistery window at Coventry Cathedral. I feel that such a memorial would be most appropriate. The fateful day was bright and sunny but the events cast a terrible shadow on the ground at that time. It is perhaps too early to even think about such a memorial while people are still looking for their loved ones, but maybe if the idea is lodged with the appropriate authority it could get some recognition. We would then have a memorial sundial in the centre of Manhattan. It could even be the largest sundial ever built! Its daily action would be viewed from nearby tall buildings and perhaps more appropriately from overflying aircraft. Perhaps the NASS could get involved with this project? If you have any further thoughts - or ideas for how this scheme could be put forward to the 'right' people, then I will be glad to hear from you. Again, our sincere condolences to everyone affected by this vile deed. You will be in our thoughts for a long time to come. Regards, Mike Cowham. Cambridge, UK. |
