In researching the design records of the Wall, a defined site boundary of the Wall “site” could not be found. The competition guidelines had prescribed an approximately two-acre area within which the Wall could be located.

Establishing this area was the first task. Further on-site investigations determined that the space surrounding the Wall that could be defined as the “genus loci” of the Wall was in fact closer to six acres in size. Six sites were examined as suitable for the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, each adjacent to but outside the area of context of the Wall. Important in the site selection were three additional factors: (1) that the new Memorial would be set in a location from which the wall could be seen; (2) that there would be easy access to the new site; and (3) that the placement would relate to the design of the park and complement the original design concept of Constitution Gardens.

The design concept builds upon the criteria used in the site selection process, in addition to the realization that the Memorials are experiencing far greater number of visitors than had been previously anticipated.

The sculpture by Glenna Goodacre is the single most important force in the design of the landscape setting. The composition of the sculpture involves the viewer in a series of successive views. The visitor is drawn by the composition to move around the sculpture and to determine a personal perception of the composition from many different points. This need to involve the viewer in a kinetic relationship to the statue led to the design of a terrace that, while being functionally adequate for viewing, would also provide space for seating.

The material used for the paving is a Carnelaian red granite from Minnesota. The terrace is approached from the main walkway leading to the Wall and the statue of three fighting men. A single entrance leads to the sculpture and gives visitors views of the Wall as they exit.

The rectangular shape of the terrace and the indents for seating and viewing create a counterpoint to the movement of the visitor and to the circle of trees that form the space within the park. The trees provide transparent walls to the terrace and will give shade and comfort in the summer. The trees selected, Yellowood, have a delicate branching form; the leaves are light green in summer and a subtle yellow in fall. Other plant materials are Viburnum and Shadblow. The ground cover surrounding the terrace is an evergreen variety of Cotoncaster.