Katelyn Almeda: How Space Communicates (Vietnam War Memorial)

Last semester, in on of my communication classes, we studied how space communicates with people. Many of these concepts can definitely be related to this course. One article that we read discussed the Vietnam War Memorial and how it effects the environment that surrounded it, both physically and emotionally.
The memorial was built in the middle of a large, open space full of nature. It almost looks as if it does not belong because of the way it was constructed. It is huge, shiny, and has a very modern feel to it. The lines are straight and there are sharp corners ton it. The area around the memorial, however, is peaceful and serene because of the flowers and the large grassy area. The memorial almost looks as if it shouldn't be there. However, because of the way people built it, it causes even more of an effect on those who come to visit. Not only are the names of the deceased listed in order on the memorial, but you can also see reflections when you look into it because it was constructed with black granite. This makes just about every experience there very emotional.
Maya Lin, the architect who designed the wall stated, "It was while I was at the site that I designed it. I just sort of visualized it. It just popped into my head. Some people were playing Frisbee. It was a beautiful park. I didn't want to destroy a living park. You use the landscape. You don't fight with it. You absorb the landscape . . . When I looked at the site I just knew I wanted something horizontal that took you in, that made you feel safe within the park, yet at the same time reminding you of the dead. So I just imagined opening up the earth..."