Hoboken 9/11 Memorial

Artist Janet Echelman and architect Jeanne Gang were asked by the City of Hoboken to create a memorial for the residents of Hoboken that were lost on 9/11. Thirst was invited to help incorporate language and typography into the installation in way that would be respectful, memorable, and powerful. Together, we imagined a meditative island would carry visitors out over the Hudson River, directly facing the site of Ground Zero.

A conceptual identity captured the impression of looking down on the island space as if from the heavens.

Once on the island, visitors will experience 57 glass slabs — one for each Hoboken citizen who died.

A custom typeface was created based around the forms and orientation of the glass slabs.

At the center of the island, a unifying message captures the optimism of the site and serves as a focal point for the community moving forward.

Memories from those who survived the disaster line the bridge connecting to the island. Their own words in their own handwriting are cast in bronze.

Client: Studio Gang Architects

Service: Signage