In a poignant display of remembrance, design studio Drift and renowned architect Shigeru Ban have orchestrated a breathtaking tribute for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Utilizing 2,977 drones, each symbolizing a life lost in the World Trade Center attack, the installation launched over New York Harbor on September 9th, recreating the iconic Twin Towers at their full architectural scale. Drones light up New York, offering a powerful and moving tribute visible throughout the city.
A Vision of Light and Memory
The collaborative effort, under the artistic direction of Addison Mehr, unfolded from Governors Island. This powerful installation, named “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,” saw the drones forming the Twin Towers before hovering in poignant silence. For fifteen minutes, twice in succession, the glowing lights served as a luminous reminder of the past, showcasing how this technology can brighten New York in innovative ways.
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Drift, once known as Studio Drift, acted as advisors alongside Ban and architect Dean Maltz. Studio Drift emphasized the role of cutting-edge technology as a tool for remembrance, expressing the urgency of reflecting on history to forge a hopeful future. The way the aerial display lights up the city through this installation symbolizes both remembrance and the potential of modern technology.
The installation interacted with the annual Tribute in Light, a continuous homage projected from the original Twin Towers site every year on 9/11.
Engaging with History and Community
Crafting this tribute involved collaboration with family members, survivors, and emergency responders. Brenda Berkman, an artist and New York City Fire Department responder, highlighted the installation’s potential to communicate historical understanding and emotions across generations. This ensemble of lights also paid homage to unbuilt architectural visions born in the aftermath of the tragedy, notably the helix-inspired “World Cultural Centre.”
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Architect Shigeru Ban had previously worked on this concept alongside architects like Rafael Viñoly and David Rockwell, as part of a team called Think. Their efforts were part of a master plan, who ultimately designed the current development.
Artistic Innovation Through Technology
Drift continues to explore the potential of drone-based art. Previous installations include a mesmerizing aerial exhibition above Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie concert hall and creative displays for a digital iteration of the Burning Man festival during the Covid-19 hiatus in 2021. Once again, this shows how these creations illuminate New York and other major cities, pushing the boundaries of modern art and technology.
Their work joins a broader conversation about 9/11’s enduring impact, with Dezeen exploring its legacy during the 20th anniversary and Foster + Partners unveiling progress on the final tower being constructed at Ground Zero.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
How many drones were used in the 9/11 tribute?
The tribute used 2,977 drones, each representing a life lost in the World Trade Center attack.
Who was involved in designing the drone tribute?
The design studio Drift and renowned architect Shigeru Ban orchestrated the drone tribute, with the artistic direction of Addison Mehr. They collaborated with family members, survivors, and emergency responders.
What did the drone installation in New York symbolize?
The drone installation symbolized both remembrance of the 9/11 victims and the potential of modern technology, as it formed the Twin Towers and interacted with the annual Tribute in Light.