AIDS Memorial Competition

AIDS Memorial Competition
Awarded Entry of Note
Exhibited at SF MOMA
Published in Emergent Memory, The National AIDS Memorial Competition, Edited by Neal J.Z. Schwartz

AIDS is one of the worst human crisis in history. It is a growing pandemic of immeasurable loss. The design of the Memorial must address the unique and painful affect AIDS continues to have on the world everyday. The human loss from AIDS is ongoing; the standard design for memorials is no longer relevant as people continue to die and become infected at alarming rates. AIDS is not an event that has passed.

This design addresses the complex and dynamic persistence of AIDS. The Memorial also engages the visitor as a place for both personal and group reflection. The extreme difference in scale between individual loss and the loss of entire populations is reflected in the design. A continuous rolling loop of landscape encircles the center of the Grove. This loop is divided into a patchwork of small plots, each planted with a native plant, flower, or grass. A series of plots connect to form a variety of colorful and rich groups that vary in size and shape.

At the southern end of the new landscape, the form raises from the ground and twists to reveal a surface of inscribed glass panels suspended within a quilt of living vegetation. Each interchangeable panel can be used to display a variety of educational information and rotating exhibitions. This element will be the most prominent intervention on the site and will act as a marker for people to reflect.

Programmatically, the design activates the existing central grass field in the grove. Part of the new landscape forms a mound sloping toward the field under two existing Elm trees. The mound can be used as an amphitheater, further activating the space by providing a place for groups to congregate and host occasional events including vigils, lectures, and performances. The entire design is ADA accessible and there are still multiple paths leading through the grove and the new landscape quilt.

This design will strengthen the grove by unifying the existing design features and embracing the existing circle scheme. By providing a unique, but familiar form, the design will attract visitors and increase national awareness of the grove.