Designed by Elyn Zimmerman, the memorial and its surroundings were intentionally made to resemble a bullseye when observed from a bird's-eye view,[1] as it was situated directly above the ground zero site of the bombing, between One World Trade Center and the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel.

The interior of the fountain had purposely cracked, white granite walls that evoked the appearance of ancient tumulus markers—mounds of earth raised over graves.

[3][4] In explaining her creative process in designing the walls, Zimmerman notes, "Stone has cultural references as monuments and tumulus mounds.

"The walls enclosed a shallow pool that collected water flowing from a hole in the fountain's central red granite drum.

The chief inscription etched into the red granite of the memorial read:" On February 26, 1993, a bomb set by terrorists exploded below this site.

Out of respect for the families of victims Wilfredo Mercado and Monica Rodriguez Smith, Zimmerman included a Spanish translation of the corresponding inscription, found directly below its English counterpart.