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DRESDNER ROBIN provided landscape architectural design and engineering services for the construction of a waterfront park overlooking the harbor, Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. The project is located at formerly Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne (MOTBY) on the northeastern tip of the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor and appends to the future Hudson River Waterfront Walkway to create a common waterfront open space. The park center point is the monument entitled “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism” created by Zurab Tsereteli and presented as a gift by President Putin and the People of Russia.

Dresdner Robin was charged with preparing a conceptual design that would establish a proper setting for the monument, provide open space for passive recreation and capture the magnificent New York harbor views. The design needed to consider existing structural constraints, and provide for future connection to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and for relationship to future surrounding development. Concept plans were prepared to evaluate different monument locations, walkway connections and amphitheater arrangements.

The selected design features gradual rise in elevation towards the park center to create a summit setting for the monument and a step down towards the river. Long sweeping seat walls allow for festival seating. Mixed plantings throughout the site soften the open areas and establish a human scale. Small ornamental trees along the walkway frame different spaces and in combination with ornamental grasses, perennials and shrubs provide interest throughout the year.

The horrific date of September 11th is symbolically captured in the 100’ tall bronze tower and the park design. A stainless steel tear, reflecting the grief for the lost, is suspended from a fractured core. The monument rises on top of an eleven-sided granite base situated in the middle of an eleven-sided plaza. The names of the victims from the two attacks on the World Trade Center are engraved on the monument base. Nine alternating granite bands establish the pavement pattern.

Standing on a hill, in line with the former World Trade Center site, the monument forms a dynamic remembrance of the strong visual power of the former Twin Towers and of the high price paid by the victims.