Design Process
We firmly believe that the approach we take in developing the design is as important as the design itself. An essential part of the process – which has never been done before for a memorial – is gathering input from a variety of voices.
Our intention is to ensure the Memorials design properly reflects the diversity of experiences, service, and sacrifices in the GWOT, thereby telling the story of the countless everyday Americans who stepped forward to serve us all.
Developing the Team
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation Design Team has been intentionally curated with a diverse set of experts, creatives, and individuals personally impacted by the war to ensure the Memorial reflects the magnitude of this ongoing international conflict.
Lead designer Kengo Kuma and his team at Kengo Kuma & Associates are collaborating closely with the Foundation’s Design Team, which consists of the Board of Directors, and the Design Advisory Council, a body consisting of more than 20 Gold Star family members, veterans, active-duty service members, and additional stakeholders, to create a tribute to the men and women who have bravely answered the call to serve.
Foundation’s Historic Public Input Campaign “Help Design History”
On September 26, 2023, the Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind public input campaign, “Help Design History.” This campaign gave the public the opportunity to answer survey questions regarding the ideal design for the Memorial. The original campaign ran for 22 days (September 26 to October 17), representing 22 years of America’s ongoing fight against terrorism since September 11, 2001. It was then extended beyond the initial end date in order to maximize the amount of input collected.
Almost 20,000 people from all 50 states joined us to Help Design History and over 60% of survey respondents indicated that they have directly served in the Global War on Terrorism in some capacity. Members of every branch of the military and veterans of every war since WWII participated in the #HelpDesignHistory campaign.
When asked what they hoped people would learn when visiting the Memorial an overwhelming number of respondents (more than 80%) wanted people to understand the global impact of the war and the timeline of events.
Other Key Results
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More than 60% of respondents wanted green space around the Memorial; and 50% of respondents hoped the design would incorporate water.
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Nearly 70% would like the Memorial to be an intimate setting (quiet and subdued).
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More than 80% hoped to see the Memorial lit at night.
The complete results have been shared with the Design Team for their consideration.
Next Steps in the Design Phase
We are currently in steps 13-19 of the 24 Step Process.
In 2024, Kuma san met with Design Advisory Council members to hear their personal stories and ask them questions about their desires for the Memorial.
Kengo Kuma & Associates is now working on concepts that will be presented to the Board of Directors. Once approved, the next steps will be to meet with the National Park Service (NPS) or General Services Administration (GSA).
We look forward to sharing more updates on the Design Team’s progress throughout 2025.