The Responsibility Path is a memorial designed to honor victims of genocide. It is positioned underground, using an empty space to symbolize absence and the weight of historical memory. This approach highlights the shame associated with needing to create such a space in today’s world. Visitors are drawn into a thoughtful experience that invites them to reflect on complex histories and their relevance in contemporary society.

Conceptual Framework

The design features two distinct paths within the void. The first path leads visitors downward, guiding them toward a deeper engagement with the past. This descent reflects the seriousness of history and the consequences of unresolved collective traumas. Natural light filters into the space through fiberglass tubes, emblematic of the enduring memory of the victims. During the day, this illumination serves to enhance the atmosphere and reinforces the connection between the past and the present.

Reflection Chamber

At the end of the first path, a reflection chamber invites personal engagement with the themes of awareness and responsibility. In this space, visitors see their distorted reflection, encouraging them to consider their roles in creating a better future. This design detail is meant to evoke self-reflection in relation to the lessons of history. It is a moment for contemplation, urging each person to consider how they might contribute to a more compassionate society.

Dynamic Engagement

Movement is an essential aspect of the design. Visitors progress along the paths, engaging actively with the narratives embedded in the space. This dynamic element transforms the memorial experience into an interactive act. The design prioritizes an active form of remembrance, allowing people to reflect on the past while acknowledging its implications for their own lives.

Light and Absence

The use of light plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Natural and artificial sources work together to highlight the architectural void, creating a thoughtful atmosphere. The changing quality of light enhances the emotional tone of the journey, with sunlight streaming through the fiberglass tubes during the day and artificial lighting illuminating the space at night. This interplay adds depth to the experience, emphasizing themes of memory and absence in a poignant manner.