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Light-Infused Memorial Creating Emotional Reflection on Historical Injustice

Authors:
Sudarat Sawanagjai, Sumita Chayalak
Light-Infused Memorial Creating Emotional Reflection on Historical Injustice
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Natural light enters the memorial through carefully designed openings, enhancing emotional connections while guiding visitors to reflect on the historical injustices faced by women accused of witchcraft.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is intentionally incorporated through openings that change the atmosphere throughout the day.
02
Narrative elements guide visitors through the history of the witch trials in a structured manner.
03
Educational panels provide context and provoke discussions about historical injustices.
04
The layout encourages personal reflection through distinct contemplative spaces.
05
The memorial’s design fosters an emotional connection to the past and its implications for today.

Located in Poitiers, France, the memorial is dedicated to the historical persecution of women accused of witchcraft. The design focuses on addressing the injustices these women faced and aims to create a space for reflection and education. By commemorating the lives lost, the memorial encourages visitors to engage with both the past and pressing social issues today.

Conceptual Framework

The framework of the memorial centers on the need to recognize historical wrongs while linking them to contemporary inequalities. Positioned in an area connected to the witch trials, the design encourages visitors to confront the narratives that shaped this challenging history. The goal is to foster a contemplative environment that allows for personal reflection on the implications of these events.

Spatial Organization

The layout features distinct areas that lead visitors on a journey of discovery. Each space is thoughtfully designed to promote moments of reflection and contemplation, inviting interaction with the history surrounding the witch trials. Informational panels and educational displays are integrated throughout the design, providing context and stimulating discussions about the injustices encountered by the victims.

Emotional Engagement

Creating an emotional response is a crucial aspect of the design. Rather than acting solely as a tribute, the memorial challenges visitors to confront uncomfortable realities of historical injustices. The flow of spaces and narratives is carefully planned to enhance this emotional connection, making the experience both meaningful and engaging.

In a notable design detail, the use of natural light is fundamental to the memorial's atmosphere. Strategically placed openings allow light to shift throughout the day, creating changing patterns of light and shadow. This dynamic interplay symbolizes the passage of time and the lasting impact of history on the present.

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