Since the Vietnam war is so highly known amongst people from all over the globe, the way the memorials for the war work, and how they look is a big advantage in getting more and more people to visit the sites. And since around our area there are two different memorials, it is important to compare how both have different aspects and features which make them unique and original in their own ways. From the simple "bent line" at Washington D.C. to the circular "time clock" at Holmdel, it is hard to realize that they are not both memorials, but many aspects of architecture put into place to form elaborate works of art.
There are many elements which have effected the context of each design. The first, enclosure, is used in both structures, but in totally different ways. The enclosure feature separates the spaces, whether it be the way inside of the memorial as in Holmdel or the actual inside as in Washington D.C. At Holmdel, one must enter the immense circle-like structure through an enclosed entryway, made of concrete. So, when walking to the memorial, you come from the open outside, and the path leads you directly to the enclosure. With just the focus of the memorial's center tree ahead, the way it is placed shows an aspect of making a way toward the people, as a marker to where to go. When finally exiting the enclosure, it comes from light to dark very quickly as everything opens up to reveal to the observer the vastness of the memorial, including the statue of soldiers. In Washington, the actual enclosure the observer feels is right near the memorial. Since it is almost completely underground, the structure allows for privacy for the victims and the families which visit them. Being enclosed in the emotional situation, is the effect which the architect took into consideration, in order to allow reflection and comfort for the families. Furthermore, the many trees around the structure let the observer be enclosed but allows them to scan the horizon and see the only different thing to focus on, which is the memorial.
