I built a series of supporters that had my back. I never abused that trust. You can't cry wolf. You have to solve most problems yourself.

There are bound to be differences in any artistic collaboration with landscape elements, or theater, of lighting elements.

I think my desire to imagine a future for this site came out of trying to come to terms with the emotions that day aroused.

For two years nobody talked about anything other than the name arrangement. There was no fund-raising and no progress being made on construction and design.

How do you design it so that people can form a space of their own, and feel quiet and contemplative?

I had a dual role: designer and advocate.

I hope for the experience of people standing together, turning their backs to the city and facing this, and hearing the leaves rustle. Well, maybe it won't be as bucolic as at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, but I know you will feel removed from the city.