Objects Of Mourning
The Last Genocide Memorial - Architectural Competition 2021
(Shortlisted)
Genocide (-geno, Greek word for race or tribe, with -cide, from the Latin word for killing.) is defined by the deliberate eradication, of a whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It is a horrific crime that comes with such heaviness and despair that is difficult to process, grieve for and reflect upon. In this current era, wherein many mass killings around the world that have yet to be acknowledged and recognized as such, have not been memorialized and legitimized, therefore the global community and victims of mass killings have been unable to collectively move forward, mourn, and grieve these deaths. The project would like to recognize mass killings as a crime of genocide and therefore acknowledge and make space for victims of ongoing ones.
The project proposes five objects as tools for collective mourning. These objects separated or combined hope to create functional spaces wherein collective cultural memory can be cultivated through conversation and self-reflection.
Site Studies
The site is overlaid by a non visible 2’x2’ square grid that runs parallel to the river. The site strategy employs an act of repetition that conveys a sense of density and compactness. Following this grid, each object is then anchored by a 2'x2' reinforced concrete base that is punctured/poured below ground. They can be combined and serve as a platform or as area transitions/boundaries. These bases are then scattered into zones that activate various points on the site taking into consideration existing conditions, access, privacy, and circulation
Compositions
The objects are sculptural in form but each brings functionality and use. They can be switched around and fused like a kit of parts to form various compositions but they could also stand alone solemnly and undisturbed. A pillow, a stool, a table, a pole, and an umbrella are the architecturalized objects in the space
The construction of each adapts a modular approach allowing for flexibility/ interchangeability while providing building techniques that are unique but not complex. The chosen materials are simple but diverse enough that each object embodies different characteristics. The cloth/fabric - provides covering or protection. Concrete - is gravity and weight. Stone - is durable and reliable. Wood - is soft and warm. And lastly, steel - is change & growth/aging. Collectively, these objects serve a diverse set of needs. They are mobile tools that move and change over time. It is an ongoing collective process of mourning.
