hurricane maria memorial

This memorial proposal creates a potent symbolic and commemorative place of remembrance and participation. Rather than a typical monument where the viewing is detached from the object in an exterior position, the observer is invited into a domed space that both encloses and connects the individual to the idea of community and remembrance that is haptic and multidimensional. The exterior exposed colored concrete resembles the earth colors that Hurricane Maria exposed and the color of the water runoff. A texture is created from actual storm debris that will be part of the exterior face formwork. The debris will leave voids in the surface representing the open wounds of the tragedy and devastation that this storm left on the island.

At 10:00am - the time when Hurricane Maria passed through the middle of the island - the skylight (oculus) illuminates the reflective commemorative plate located in the center of the floor. The plate reflects the light back onto the dome illuminating the whole interior.