Charlie Rose Season 20 Episode 6 Redevelopment Effort at the World Trade Center; Michael Arad

The Charlie Rose Show, in its 20th season, presents a thought-provoking episode titled "Redevelopment Effort at the World Trade Center; Michael Arad." The episode features an exclusive interview with architect Michael Arad, who designed the National September 11 Memorial in New York City.

The episode delves into the process of designing and building the World Trade Center site after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Michael Arad, who won an international competition with his design for the site, shares his insights and experiences of creating a memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives on that fateful day.

The episode begins with Charlie Rose acknowledging the significance of the World Trade Center site and its redevelopment. He introduces Michael Arad, who shares his initial thoughts upon being assigned the task of designing the site. Arad explains that he believed the memorial should occupy the "footprint" of the World Trade Center and be open to the public. He also discusses how he worked with families of the victims to create a space that was both a public memorial and a private space for their remembrance.

Throughout the episode, Michael Arad showcases his various design concepts, the final design, and the building process involved in constructing the 9/11 memorial. He shares the challenges he faced while designing and building the memorial, including the placement of trees and the selection of materials.

Arad also discusses his desire to depict the loss and absence of life through his design, and how he incorporated sound and water into the final design. He speaks of his inspiration for the raised perimeter walls, which feature the names of the victims, and how the water creates a "void" in the center of the memorial.

Charlie Rose and Michael Arad discuss the significance of memorials, how they help people to remember and honor the dead, and the role they play in society. They speak of how the 9/11 memorial is not just for the families of the victims but a space for everyone who wants to pay their respects and remember what happened on that day.

The episode also examines the impact the 9/11 attacks had on the city of New York and how the design of the memorial serves as a tribute to the resilience and strength of the city. Michael Arad emphasizes the importance of creating a space that heals and comforts those who visit it, as well as educates future generations about the events of 9/11.

Overall, "Redevelopment Effort at the World Trade Center; Michael Arad" is a moving and insightful episode that provides an in-depth look at the process of designing and constructing a memorial for one of the most tragic events in US history. It highlights the significance of memory and remembrance and explores the complex emotions and thought processes that go into designing a public memorial.