Urban design and architectural practice Gómez Platero had unveiled designs for the world's first large-scale memorial to the victims of COVID-19, due to reside on the edge of a section of urban waterfront in Uruguay. Dubbed the "World Memorial to the Pandemic,"the monument will be an environmentally conscious construction that uses pre-fabrication and on-site assembly to minimize the impact on the environment.
The massive circular structure will span 40 meters in diameter and hold an open center void that will stretch 10 meters in diameter. The memorial will be able to welcome up to 300 visitors while adhering to current social distancing guidelines, allowing the community safe moments of shared grief and solidarity.
"Architecture is a powerful tool to transform the world," said Architect Gómez Platero in a statement. "It is, above all, a collective and historical reality, made of small fragments which survive over time and become culture. It is a way to show who we are on this planet. Monuments, too, mark our shared cultural and emotional milestones. By creating a memorial capable of activating senses and memories in this way, we can remind our visitors -- as the pandemic has -- that we as human beings are subordinate to nature and not the other way around."
The main platform and coating of the lower external face will be made from Corten steel while the concrete will finish the surface of the concave internal space. The team has already begun discussions with the Uruguayan government to choose a specific site for the concept that will have the least environmental impact and most benefit the community.
The architecture firm estimates that the memorial will take six months to complete once it begins construction.
16 Comments
On the one hand, I think its great for architects to initiate projects. On the other, I wonder what's the intent of the author - is it really about creating a memorial to victims or more an opportunity to market oneself? Is the latter inherently negative? Aren't artists obliged to create after all?
This is opportunistic and disgusting. It degrades the entire profession through self promotion, at the expense of the death and pain of people around the world.
Asburd on so many levels. This pandemic isn't even over yet.
Cool graphics bro, but absurd, un necessary design
In my abracadabra days, this would make a nice episode...
Needs more cowbell
looks racist to me... should probably push it into the ocean
hurrr hurrrrrr my hot take is topical and unique hurrrr
Nice monument to climate change and rising sea levels!
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Glad to see everyone reacting to this appropriately. It's too soon, Gómez Platero, too soon. Read the room, my guys.
agree with all above comments. otoh i'm intrigued by the impression this gives of just being a generic monument, something that could be about anything and located anywhere. as it is it commentates an event that hasn't finished happening yet in a place completely tangential to the origin or progress of the pandemic. it's not a monument either - there is no victory or heroic effort to praise. it's about as meaningful or useful as a pavilion in the park.
My initial thought is something along these lines - this is a beautiful sculpture but so abstract I can't help but wonder how much of it was conceived before the pandemic arrived. It feels like it was sitting in a drawer waiting for a tragedy to latch on to .
waste of internet space
relevant - Why Are There Almost No Memorials to the Flu of 1918?
see the inscription.
This would work well (in the USA) as a Trump Memorial. Except add water the flows to the bottom of the circle.
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