Vietnam memorial architect considers Ground Zero project

The architect who designed the Vietnam Memorial in Washington has been involved in talks about the Ground Zero tribute, it was reported today.

Maya Lin said she is offering advice from her own experience in creating the structure dedicated to soldiers who died in the Vietnam war, which has won widespread praise despite initial opposition.

‘‘I am starting to talk quietly to various parties involved with the World Trade Centre site, from people on the architectural and planning end to some groups of victims’ families,’’ she told the New Yorker magazine.

She said everyone in the city, not just victims’ relatives, should be included in the memorial.

‘‘At some level, we all shared it, and that has never happened before in history. I hope that is really taken into account,’’ added the 42-year-old who has a studio close to Ground Zero.

Ms Lin was a young architecture student when her design was picked from over 1,000 entries for the Vietnam memorial.

Her plan for two black marble walls meeting in a V shape inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died in the conflict was criticised by many.

Decorated Vietnam veteran Tom Carhart, who had submitted his own design, dubbed it an ‘‘open urinal’’, while Ross Perot described it as ‘‘something for New York intellectuals’’.

But it won admirers from across the world when it was completed in the early 80s and is now the most visited memorial in Washington.

New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg is among those to praise its simple design, although he has been criticised by families of September 11 victims for calling for something similar at Ground Zero.

Most World Trade Centre families back former mayor Rudy Giuliani who said he would like a ‘‘grand, soaring memorial’’ fitting for the size of the sacrifice.