It was a dark time in history. The world was at war. Across Europe down into Africa, from the islands of the Pacific to Asia, there was conflict. America emerged triumphant, and became a stronger nation because of it. The generation who grew up during the Great Depression, came of age during World War II and now their sacrifice is finally being honored in Washington DC, with the construction of the controversial World War II Memorial. The Memorial has been controversial because of its size, with many veterans groups saying it is too big. Nonetheless, the project has moved forward, and with the lighting design, the Memorial hopes to convey the sentiment of ?EUR??,,????'??darkness of global conflict and a light of freedom.?EUR??,,????'?? Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, Inc. has taken up the task of designing a lighting scheme for the Memorial. The lighting has been discreetly integrated into each component and the intensity of the light has been carefully balanced to accentuate each element with layers of illumination. ?EUR??,,????'??After touring all of the DC monuments it was clear that we needed to create a dramatic lighting effect while keeping a low profile,?EUR??,,????'?? said Barbara Horton of Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design. ?EUR??,,????'??We had to be very sensitive to the Lincoln and Washington Monuments with regard to the reflecting pool.?EUR??,,????'?? According to Horton, all incandescent lights were used for dimming capabilities. The dimmers are set with a high end trim to limit the output and extend lamp life. Ten fixture types three lamp types were used. A Look at the Memorial In 1993, President Clinton signed Public Law 103-32, authorizing the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a World War II memorial. Construction finally began in September 2001 and the memorial will officially be dedicated on May 29, 2004. The memorial plaza and Rainbow Pool are the principal design features of the memorial, unifying all other elements. Two flagpoles flying the American flag will frame the ceremonial entrance at 17th Street. The bases of granite and bronze will be adorned with appropriate iconography. Ceremonial steps and ramps lead from 17th Street into the plaza. A series of 24 bronze bas relief panels along the ceremonial entrance balustrades will depict America?EUR??,,????'???s war years, at home and overseas. Announcements of the memorial will be located at the 17th Street ceremonial entrance. Curvilinear ramps at the north and south approaches provide access to the plaza for visitors walking along the existing east-west pathways between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. These ramps provide a gentle entry to the plaza. Granite benches follow the curvilinear rampart walls. ?EUR??,,????'??The reflecting pool was sacred,?EUR??,,????'?? Horton said. ?EUR??,,????'??The entire design was to keep the visibility between the Lincoln and Washington Monument unencumbered.?EUR??,,????'?? Memorial Arches Two 43-foot arches serve as markers and entries on the north and south ends of the plaza. Bronze baldacchinos are an integral part of the arch design. Four bronze columns support four American eagles that hold a suspended victory laurel to memorialize the victory of the WWII generation. Inlayed on the floor of the arches will be the WWII victory medal surrounded by the words ?EUR??,,????'??Victory on Land,?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??Victory at Sea,?EUR??,,????'?? and ?EUR??,,????'??Victory in the Air.?EUR??,,????'?? These sculptural elements will celebrate the victory won in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. Embracing Arms and Pillars Fifty-six granite pillars celebrate the unprecedented unity of the nation during WWII and symbolize the bonding of the nation. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia will be represented by a pillar adorned with laurels and inscribed with its name. The 17-foot pillars are open in the center for greater transparency, and ample space between each allows viewing into and across the memorial. Commemorative Area Within a commemorative area at the western side of the memorial is recognized the sacrifice of America?EUR??,,????'???s WWII generation, the contribution of our allies and the suffering of all humankind. A field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom Wall will commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. During WWII, the gold star became the symbol of family sacrifice. ?EUR??,,????'??The Wall is filled with bronze stars each representing one thousand lost lives,?EUR??,,????'?? Horton said. ?EUR??,,????'??It is illuminated from the reflecting pool below it creating a shimmering sparkle reminiscent of candlelight.?EUR??,,????'?? Rainbow Pool and Waterworks The historic waterworks of the Rainbow Pool will be completely restored and will contribute to the celebratory nature of the memorial. The design provides seating along the pool circumference for visitors. Semi-circular fountains at the base of the two memorial arches and waterfalls flanking the Freedom Wall will complement the waterworks in the Rainbow Pool. ?EUR??,,????'??The rainbow pool is outlined in a tracery style with hidden low voltage light sources to frame it?EUR??,,????'???s unique shape,?EUR??,,????'?? Horton said. ?EUR??,,????'??The fountains are illuminated in three colors for special effects and events.?EUR??,,????'?? This will give subtle form to the fa??? 1/4 ade and arch while allowing the bronze baldicchino inside to glow. The large spray fountain and the integral seating bench surrounding the Rainbow Pool has been simply articulated with small aperture-recessed lights to outline the architectural forms. The two main sprays may be featured with a more intense light, while another layer is featured in the pool area. Two thirds of the 7.4-acre memorial site will be landscaping and water, allowing the memorial to nestle comfortably within its park-like setting. The ceremonial entrance has three large lawn panels between the monumental steps. The double row of elm trees will be restored to their original splendor, and a replanting plan will replace unhealthy trees. A landscaped contemplative area will be located at the northwestern corner of the site. Canopies off flowering trees will augment re-seeded lawns. ?EUR??,,????'??The entire memorial is on a pre-programmed control system that will allow the National Parks Commission and the American Battle Monuments Committees to create several scenes that could change during the course of an event.?EUR??,,????'?? The lighting design when complete will no doubt be a physical manifestation of the Wall of Stars?EUR??,,????'??? sentiment, ?EUR??,,????'??Darkness of global conflict and a light of freedom.?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??The project was challenging because of its high profile,?EUR??,,????'?? Horton said. ?EUR??,,????'??I am often greeted with negative comments about the projects depending on who you speak with in Washington. On the other hand it is wonderful to talk with Vets who have so much pride in the war. I learned a lot about history in the process of doing the project and gain a clarity about war that I didn?EUR??,,????'???t have before. ?EUR??,,????'??It was amazing to meet generals, holocaust victims and many others who experienced the war in one way or another. This was a war in which glory was a strong emotion. The architecture represents this concept very well and we hope the lighting will support the pride and honor evoked in the period.?EUR??,,????'??