Lincoln – Now, as to the proposed veterans tribute design, especially the panels (see Part I): I asked an artist knowledgeable in landscape architecture and monument design for an outside opinion.
The planned Memorial Mall Tribute area in its current form functions as a way-station on the sidewalk to Memorial Stadium’s East gate from 14th St through the Hall of Fame Walkway. Its rectilinear double lane layout is organized by large (heavy) glass billboard panels and flowerbeds that are parallel and secondary to the sidewalk. While the billboards are meant to encourage learning and thinking about veterans' service and sacrifice, they divide and interrupt the view of the contemplative area.* To be an effective small memorial, the gestalt of the tribute area must be taken in by the participant at first sight.
In contrast, the new entrance-step plaza to the M&N building successfully brings new and welcome attention to the education that takes place inside. The plaza provides a natural forum for conversation. While the bi-color chevron paving design on the uppermost level of the steps may be seen as accentuating the entrance, the continuation of the bi-color pattern beyond this level confuses and visually flattens the various levels of the plaza linking it to the sidewalk. Intended to connect the plaza to the garden, the continuing chevron pattern architecturally separates this area from the M&N entrance, creating an effect of feeling squeezed in.
Memorials are at their best when they provide a space for rumination. A few cues are all that is necessary: an interesting sculpture, a great specimen tree (perhaps a pairing of a towering oak and a willow that weeps?). Overbearing didactics on heavy glass panels that hem in the contemplative area with text and visuals are counterproductive, towering over guests standing or seated, engendering insignificance and a desire to escape. The combination of beauty, philosophy and sacrifice in a memorial garden is better projected through a sense of the fragility of it all: organically shaped flower beds with forget-me-nots, field poppies for those who died, healing plants and other flowers of remembrance, such as climbing roses. Potentially a bronze envelope and letter or a rucksack, helmet, gas mask or red-cross kit tucked in a corner are a sufficient nudge. The nudge lingers, the bullhorn blare is soon forgotten.
This is not to say that there cannot be effective, well-written (brief) informative texts that pique curiosity enough to send the reader to the library. Although it must be said that large lettering on the risers of steps in the plaza are intrusive to everyday business/duties. No one likes being yelled at. Text and symbol must leave space for the present tasks at hand, allowing and encouraging each person the freedom to choose their best path for contributing. The cumulative experience determines the effectiveness of the memorial. Was the experience positive, thought-provoking? Was the visitor reminded of what can be learned from history? Does the brief encounter encourage one’s own response or force an experience that engenders resistance?
This is not to say that there cannot be effective, well-written (brief) informative texts that pique curiosity enough to send the reader to the library. Although it must be said that large lettering on the risers of steps in the plaza are intrusive to everyday business/duties. No one likes being yelled at. Text and symbol must leave space for the present tasks at hand, allowing and encouraging each person the freedom to choose their best path for contributing. The cumulative experience determines the effectiveness of the memorial. Was the experience positive, thought-provoking? Was the visitor reminded of what can be learned from history? Does the brief encounter encourage one’s own response or force an experience that engenders resistance?
Some thought could be given to the interstices of the panels along the seating at the far edge of the contemplative area where trees are added to shield the transparent panels from the red brick façade.** Here a low wall with various plaques might be appropriate depending on the information desired. Or tall stele could be interspersed with slender posts where wisteria could be planted, whose branches could extend a chain in a graceful arc from post to post.
Flower beds are an excellent way to shape the space. Instead of repeating the linearity of the walkway, they could be shaped, encouraging some pedestrian meandering, each with its own stele and or sculptural element appropriate to the information therein inscribed. These elements do not need to be ornate. Simple steles, not necessarily all the same shape or size, that define space rather than obstruct, perhaps with a shaped top edge, can be both visually interesting and appropriately commemorative with informative text creating a cumulative experience as one walks from one to another.
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*Similar glass panels are employed in a Washington, DC, monument to disabled veterans, but they are placed to obstruct the view toward a busy street.
**Requiring continual pruning. A wire scaffolding with large-leaf ivy would be easier to maintain.
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*Similar glass panels are employed in a Washington, DC, monument to disabled veterans, but they are placed to obstruct the view toward a busy street.
**Requiring continual pruning. A wire scaffolding with large-leaf ivy would be easier to maintain.
