Memorials are born out of two paramount desires to commemorate an event. The first is the Remembrance of the Loss in that particular event. Often this event is life changing, even History changing. It is very important to strike the right balance in representing that life-changing occurrence, for it is to be consumed by not only the masses, but more so by the people and their relatives who have been affected by it. If it is not palatable by them, then it is not a memorial. The second is, the memorial should attempt to capture artifacts, memories of the people and create a stage where the absence of such individuals are felt. One would know that it is an apt memorial when the space, or the object, or the setting is such that one would feel the people who are dedicated in the memorial, are amongst us.

The event of October 1st is horrifying. Yet one must not forget the music, the concert, the company of families, and friends who were participating in that joyous country music festival. People from all over the United States were present in that concert in Vegas. People were dancing, cheering, and creating ‘Memories’ when this horrific senseless mayhem descended on them. The author realizes that though the tragedy did occur, the purpose of the memorial is to cut through this tragedy and portray the life that Was and the life that Is, that goes beyond the tragedy. There is the absence of the victims, and horrific memories of the survivors, yet the memorial should be such that it not only heals but gives a Resolute continuity of the memories of those lives lost.

No memorial will ever be or has been above controversy in its inception. But to bring all pertinent emotions and desires of the impacted community into a cohesive shared memorial artifact, will dictate the success of the memorial. And this can only be achieved through Empathy and restraining of the Ego. Even though the living are the consumers of the memorial, it is all about the people who are absent from our lives because of this tragic event. Ego has no place here, and Empathy reigns supreme.

The author understands the above only too well. It is not by accident that the eight words as professed in the surveys have surfaced as opus operandi. Remembrance of the victims, Respect for the impacted lives of the survivors, Honor for the first responders, all which leads to Healing. When we have Healing to a traumatic event that resulted in fragmented lives, only then we slowly bring about Unity, & Peace to the impacted Community and imbue the visitor to the memorial with Love.

The creative solution as professed by the author is the result of the rigor in manifesting these eight words in the design of the memorial. This will be a rewarding and healing process. And it will be an honor and a humbling experience for all who are involved.

Portfolio of Work: https://issuu.com/armanchowdhury/docs/workfolio_arman_chowdhury_aia_ncarb_leed_ap_2022
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