The Katyn Memorial is located near the Katyn Museum in Warsaw. It serves as an important monument dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Katyn massacre, where roughly 22,000 people, including military officers and members of the intelligentsia, lost their lives during the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1940. The design reflects the deep impact of this historical event, focusing on the emotional scars left on Polish society and expressing themes of loss through its arrangement and form.

Design Concept
The architecture consists of a series of columns made from perforated panels. Each column is intentionally designed with cuts that symbolize the wounds experienced by individuals and society as a whole. This combination of form and function allows the memorial to convey a powerful message of remembrance.

Materiality and Structure
The columns fulfill multiple roles. They provide structural support while also telling a story of grief and loss. Arranged in a specific layout, they create a pathway that guides visitors through the memorial space and fosters a sense of intimacy. This pathway allows for both exploration and reflection, encouraging visitors to engage with the design’s significance.

Interaction and Engagement
A notable feature of the design is how the perforations work visually. When viewed from certain angles, the openings in the columns reveal the faint silhouette of a figure, representing one of the many victims. This detail connects the physical space with its emotional narrative, inviting visitors to think more deeply about those lost.

Memory Plates
The sides of the columns are equipped with memory plates that honor the victims by listing their names and stories. This feature adds a tangible historical presence. It ensures that the memories of the deceased resonate today, reminding visitors of the past. This integration of memory serves to strengthen the memorial's role as a place for connection and reflection.

The overall arrangement of the columns aligns with the original site of the events in Katyn Forest. The orientation enhances the relationship between the memorial and its historical context, inviting ongoing reflection on the impact of the tragedy. Each element of the design serves to connect visitors with the memories it seeks to honor.