Sure I know this is probably an empty, futile gesture since all designs by those reputable and talented architectural firms have already been submitted for final consideration at the end of January 2003. It is not my intention to embarrass or create some political nightmare for those involved in this noble project. But I was compelled, even inspired if you will, to sit down and rough out these sketches because I felt the "new" World Trade Center deserved more than an aesthetically awesome and beautiful engineering fete. When I heard on T.V. and read in the Los Angeles Times the article on these magnificent yet arbitrary structures, I was troubled by some of the designs whose partial goal was to be the "tallest" - sort of a "try that again" dare to future terrorists.

I'm obviously no architectural engineer or draftsman, nor am I qualified to carry out this concept any further than demonstrated. Of course, these sketches were not hampered by so many of the real logistical problems that the invited design firms faced before submitting their entries (i.e., working to preserve the actual location of ground zero). But, I say again, Ground Zero deserves more than a bigger better Twin Towers. It should be a reverent reminder and an inspiring tribute to those lost on September 11, 2001.

Submit your comments: What do you think of this proposal?