Vietnam Veterans Memorial Lecture Notes

Location and Design

• Location: Washington DC, on the Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
• Architect: Maya Lin.
• Concept: Unite the memorial with the nation's past; link between past and present.
• Design:
  • Long series of slabs made of reflective black granite.
  • Architect prefers not to call them walls, but they function as such.
  • Inscribed with over 58,000 names of servicemen who died in the Vietnam War.
  • More names continue to be added.

Experience of the Memorial

• Path and Structure:
  • As visitors walk, they sink into the earth, opening up to reveal names.
  • Reflective surface acts as a mirror, emphasizing the names.
  • Names are the monument's substance; granite’s reflectivity suggests another world.
• Emotional Impact:
  • Walking the path symbolizes a journey of coming to terms with death.
  • Names are placed chronologically; the process is overwhelming and deeply personal.

Symbolism and Meaning

• Abstract Approach:
  • The memorial lacks traditional heroism and allegory found in other war memorials.
  • Focuses on an abstraction, creating meaningful engagement with the names.
  • Represents names as more powerful than images, recalling personal memories.

Controversy and Resolution

• Maya Lin's Background:
  • An undergraduate student at Yale when chosen; her identity initially unknown.
  • Faced backlash due to her age, ethnicity, and abstract design.
• Controversial Aspects:
  • Use of black granite; implications tied to political history with Canada and Sweden.
  • Some viewed the design as shameful or as a "black scar."
• Resolution:
  • Adjacent naturalistic sculpture added to counterbalance abstraction.
  • Maya Lin’s intent was apolitical, focusing on veterans rather than war's politics.

Legacy and Impact

• Public Reception:
  • Recognized as one of the most successful national memorials.
  • Highly visited monument in Washington, D.C.
  • Creates a peaceful interface between worlds, as intended by Maya Lin.
• Design Philosophy:
  • Reflective surface creates dual worlds, enhancing engagement.
  • Emphasizes personal connection and reflection with the fallen soldiers' names.