Lecture on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

Setting and Location

• Location: Washington D.C., on the mall.
• Position: Between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
• Architect: Maya Lin.

Design and Concept

• Maya Lin aimed to unite the memorial with the nation’s past, connecting past and present.
• The memorial consists of a series of highly-reflective black granite slabs.
• The granite points toward both the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
• Lin didn’t refer to the slabs as 'walls,' but they function as such, being thin and sunk into the ground.

Inscription and Experience

• Names Inscribed: Over 58,000 servicemen who died in the Vietnam War.
• Layout: Chronological sequence of names.
• Design Experience: Visitors sink into the earth along with the path, discovering names.
• Reflection: Black granite’s reflectivity acts as a mirror, emphasizing the names.

Symbolism and Purpose

• Names as Reality: The names are the primary substance of the monument.
• Reflective Surface: Represents another world accessible only visually, not physically.
• Healing Concept: Lin saw the monument as a way for people to come to terms with loss.

Journey of Reflection

• Visitors experience a journey as they encounter the memorial, find names, and then exit.
• Emotional Impact: Walking through the dense central area is overwhelming and powerful.

Comparison to Traditional Memorials

• Traditional Memorials: Often feature military heroes or allegorical figures.
• Vietnam Memorial: Lacks traditional heroism or allegory, focuses purely on names.
• Abstraction: Strips away representational form yet remains meaningful.

Creation and Controversy

• Selection Process: Maya Lin’s design was chosen anonymously from 1,400 entries.
• Identity and Reaction: Once her identity was revealed, there was backlash due to her race and the abstraction.
• Resolution: A more naturalistic sculpture was added later.

Maya Lin’s Vision

• Public and Intimate Space: Created a space for gathering and reflection.
• Reflective Design: Aimed to interface between our world and a peaceful world beyond.
• Use of Granite: Intended for reflection and peace, despite criticism.

Political Context

• Non-Political Approach: Lin focused on memorializing veterans, avoiding political controversy.
• Controversy: Criticism of the design as a 'black scar' was countered by Lin’s intent.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Vietnam Memorial is one of the most visited and successful in the U.S.
• Maya Lin's Statement: The wall allows for personal reflection, seeing oneself with the names.