\u201c2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,\u201d<\/a> the installation took place on September 9, with each drone representing one of the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.<\/p>\nThe drones assembled over New York Harbor to form the outline of the World Trade Center\u2019s Twin Towers, creating a large-scale memorial visible across the city.<\/p>\n
The project was developed in collaboration with 9\/11 families, survivors and emergency responders, with creative director Addison Mehr leading the artistic direction.<\/p>\n
Design studio Drift, formerly Studio Drift, served as an adviser alongside architects Shigeru Ban and Dean Maltz.<\/p>\n
The studio described the installation as \u201cone of the most important remembrances of our lifetime\u201d and highlighted the use of technology as a new tool for remembrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could not think of a more impactful use of technology as it is now more important than ever to create the best possible future by using the new tools of our time to never forget the past,\u201d Drift said.<\/p>\n
2,977 lights honour those who died<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe installation was illuminated twice, with each display lasting approximately 15 minutes.<\/p>\n
After assembling in the air, the drones hovered over the harbour for several minutes before their lights went out and they returned to their landing positions.<\/p>\n
The project was designed to complement New York\u2019s annual Tribute in Light, which projects two powerful beams of light into the sky from the site of the former World Trade Center.<\/p>\n
Organisers also consulted representatives of 9\/11 families, survivors and emergency responders during the design process.<\/p>\n
New York City Fire Department responder and artist Brenda Berkman said the installation demonstrated how art can help preserve collective memory.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike the landscape of New York City, memory and understanding of history are also shaped by and reflect constant change,\u201d Berkman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut art can help convey information, feelings and understanding of past events from one generation to the next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drone formation references unbuilt World Trade Center designs<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nThe installation also incorporated references to alternative architectural proposals developed following the destruction of the World Trade Center.<\/p>\n
According to the project team, the helix formation created as the drones assembled represented the unbuilt World Cultural Centre master plan proposed by architect Rafael Vi\u00f1oly.<\/p>\n
The project combined architecture, technology and remembrance to recreate an iconic part of New York\u2019s skyline while commemorating the thousands of lives lost on September 11.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/dronesNY.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/NY.jpg\")
<\/p>\n