5 key facts about this project
"In Another Space" is a memorial that addresses themes related to genocide and the concept of the "other." The design engages visitors in contemplation of historical injustices. Located within a natural setting, it combines architectural elements to explore physical and ideological boundaries, facilitating movement between familiar and unfamiliar experiences. The project illustrates the complexity of memory and identity.
Conceptual Framework
The design is based on the United Nations' definitions of genocide, which include violence, harm, and oppressive living conditions. By representing the "other" through its physical spaces, the memorial embodies these themes in a tangible way. The floating halo structure acts as a dynamic boundary, creating areas above and below while allowing interstitial spaces that promote movement and reflection.
Spatial Organization
The ground level represents the experience of the "other." Open and accessible, it connects visitors with the natural landscape, especially through the adjoining garden. This design invites interaction with the environment while encouraging contemplation of the memorial's themes. The second level, accessed via ramps or exterior entrances, symbolizes how various societal experiences intersect. This layered organization enhances visitor exploration and deepens understanding of the memorial's purpose.
Materiality and Detail
Materials play an important role in conveying the memorial's message. Corten steel is used structurally to connect with the concrete halo. The sculpted brick base features apertures that align with the site’s lines, allowing light to enter the space and creating a connection between inside and outside. Black polished granite reinforces the design's exploration of life and death, adding depth to the overall experience.
Visitors are drawn to the primary area that hovers above a reflective pond. This water feature symbolizes rivers that often represent social and political boundaries. Its placement evokes thoughts of nourishment and division, echoing the memorial's overarching themes. The interplay between the water and the structure emphasizes a delicate balance in the experience of history and memory.