Architecture project // Reflecting Loss Through Sand and Wireframe in an Intimate Memorial Space

Reflecting Loss Through Sand and Wireframe in an Intimate Memorial Space

Authors:

Florent Goy, Tarik Elmansouri, Anna Marin, Yann Mazimann

A central wireframe mast rises above a circular room filled with sand, symbolizing the passage of time and facilitating personal reflection in a memorial honoring young soldiers lost in demining efforts.

5 key facts about this project

The cenotaph integrates a central wireframe mast that serves as both a visual focal point and a symbol of connection to the sea.

Sand filters into the circular room, gradually obscuring the names of the soldiers, emphasizing the theme of fading memory.

An empty pail within the mast allows visitors to actively participate in the act of remembrance by lifting and releasing sand.

The design reflects the coastal geography, creating a direct relationship between nature and the memorial’s purpose.

The room's circular shape promotes a sense of intimacy, encouraging personal reflection on sacrifice and loss.

General keywords

cenotaph germany memorial demining sand coastal remembrance interactive soldiers reflection

Project specific keywords

wireframe circular sand filtration pail shoreline

"SAND PAIL" is a cenotaph that honors young German soldiers who took part in demining operations along the French and Dutch coastlines after the war. Located against a backdrop of shifting sand, the design merges themes of remembrance and interaction with the environment. A notable feature is the central wireframe mast that rises prominently from a circular room, creating a reflective space dedicated to the stories of those who served.

CENOTAPH AS CENTERPIECE

The mast acts as both a visual focal point and a connection to the sea, establishing a link between land and water. The circular arrangement of the room offers an intimate atmosphere, enabling visitors to reflect on sacrifice in a personal way. Movement around the mast encourages exploration of the space, making it a place for thoughtful engagement with the past.

MEMORY AND TIME

A distinctive aspect of the design is the gradual encroachment of sand through openings in the room's perimeter. This sand symbolizes the passage of time, slowly covering the names of the soldiers commemorated within. As visitors enter, they observe how memories can fade, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who have been lost.

INTERACTIVE ELEMENT

An empty pail situated within the mast invites visitors to interact with the cenotaph directly. By lifting sand from the ground and letting it flow back into the air, individuals take part in the act of remembrance. This hands-on element helps strengthen connections between visitors and the stories of the soldiers, ensuring their experiences remain alive in memory.

NATURAL INTEGRATION

The design beautifully integrates its coastal location, recognizing how the landscape affects memory and history. The relationship between the cenotaph and its environment highlights the temporary nature of materials and memories. The sand serves not only as a design feature but also as a reminder of life's fleeting moments.

As the sand shifts through the room, it interacts with light, creating a moving landscape of shadow and illumination. This dynamic effect reinforces the solemnity of the cenotaph, inviting quiet reflection on the lives and sacrifices of those it memorializes.