5 key facts about this project
The memorial serves to honor the healers, midwives, and herbalists who fell victim to historical witch hunts. Set in a peaceful landscape, the design provides a space for reflection and remembrance. It merges themes of healing and memory, inviting visitors to connect with both history and nature.
Concept and Form
The form of the memorial takes inspiration from the structure of bismuth crystals, which symbolize transformation. The pentagram shape of the floor plan represents balance and interconnectedness, helping to organize the space into areas for both walking and interaction. This specific layout guides visitors through the experience in a thoughtful way.
Herb Integration
Incorporating various medicinal plants, the herb beds play a significant role in the design. Lavender, sage, marigold, and ribwort plantain are just a few of the herbs included. These selections honor the practice of herbalism and allow visitors to engage directly with the theme of healing. Fragrant herbs like basil, fennel, and peppermint enhance the experience, engaging multiple senses as one explores the space.
Dynamic Features
Movement is introduced through printed linen flags that flutter in the wind, symbolizing the freedom of the victims' souls. These flags add a dynamic quality to the memorial, creating visual interest and inviting contemplation. As visitors walk, the changing light and shadows on the flags create an evolving atmosphere, deepening the emotional impact of the site.
Structural Composition
The memorial features a lightweight acrylic glass structure, supported by a central pillar. Wire ropes provide tension, giving the design a sense of balance and stability. The round plateau appears to float above the ground, evoking a sense of water and fluidity. This detail connects the memorial with the surrounding environment while serving as a reminder of the historical narratives it represents.