ASLA Texas Chapter Merit Award

The 9/11 Reflection Garden was designed to honor employees and others lost in the September 11 attack on the United States. Set in a quiet, wooded area, the Reflection Garden captures life through the movement of light and shade, which undulates through the space as the direction of the sun changes throughout the day. A white concrete path that contrasts elegantly with the dark organic forest floor leads to circular limestone seat walls that form the memorial.

On the morning of September 11 each year, the sun spills directly down the center of the path and through the opening of the circular walls. The seat walls remain in shadow, creating a dramatic effect. The sun, guided by the white path, symbolizes the triumph of life over the shadow of loss.

Photography: Matt McKinney