The memorial arc alone, however, cannot completely represent the enormity of personal loss. This feeling is appropriately expressed by providing expanded areas, or “fields”, of regularly spaced markers, each of which also recognizes an attack victim. Three memorial fields of pillars are located on the lower level.

Areas for quiet visitation, reflection and contemplation are located at the “core” of the original towers, on the footprint axes; by overlooking the memorial fields, meditation is encouraged. A final resting place, for unidentified remains, is provided in a cube-shaped mausoleum-like structure; this structure is of equal height and is located in a contrapuntal relationship to the memorial arc. The footprints of the original towers are left completely intact; the “vastness” of these fully realized areas will help to convey the enormity of physical loss.

The major exposure of the memorial site is to the southwest. To encourage a greater interaction with the surrounding residential and business community, portions of the sidewalks along West and Liberty streets have been extended (cantilevered) inward, over the site, in an angular alignment with the memorial arc.