Hurricane Maria Memorial

Civic | New York City | Competition

Our vision for the Hurricane Maria memorial is to represent the complex relationship between the forces of nature, human life, and spirit. The memorial evokes the existence of spirit by using implied and actual movement of some of its elements. The location that we are proposing is the lower level of the Chambers Street overlook, identified in the call for proposals as an alternate site. This location provides a bird’s eye view from the Chambers street level, an overlook view from the existing mid-level landing, and direct access into the memorial from the Rockefeller Park level. The outer perimeter of our site is outlined by the existing ramps.

The memorial’s main components consist of 78 Windcatchers, a Tower, a Memory Wall, “P.R.-tifacts”, and a Mosaic. The Windcatchers are constructed in three parts: a 7-foot high steel base, a flexible metal rod, and a wind-catching bent-plate at the top. The 78 Windcatchers represent all of the municipalities affected on the island. The names of the municipalities will be etched into the base. The abstract form at the top, and the shadow that it casts, generally symbolize objects in nature that embody movement (bird wings, tree leaves, etc.). It also represents the concept of multitude, intended to honor an unknown number of victims, acknowledging the absence of a reliable count. When the wind hits the form, the flexible rod will have a subtle sway movement to evoke the presence of spirit and life uniting. During the evening hours, the movement of the Windcatchers will additionally resemble the moving flames of a lit candle.

The Tower represents familiar architecture throughout Puerto Rico that has been shifted or fractured. It also signifies the eye of the hurricane its force. The horizontal steel piping expresses movement and provides an enclosed space for contemplation. On the inner and outer walls of the Tower, bronzed objects are displayed. These objects are “P.R.-tifacts” (Puerto Rico Artifacts) that were gathered throughout Adrian’s journey across the island in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Many of the items were donated by residents, and others were collected from piles of escombro (rubbish) found on beaches, streets, and damaged abandoned properties. These powerful objects embody the destruction of the fabric of ordinary life; the memories of a life once lived, the imagination of our children, our love, our history, our pride, and our faith. The objects derive their power from the stories locked within. We rely on them to safeguard memories that would otherwise inexorably fade, and then vanish. Even when there is no access to the narrative of the commemorated—when no one is left to tell the tale—memorial objects possess a persistent quality.

The Memory Wall is an interactive component with perforated wall panels for visitors to add flowers, flags, or notes for those who’ve suffered loss. Having a designated space for visitors to interact is a powerful way to externalize the memories and the caring into some kind of physical object. Lastly, the Mosaic is designed to be triangular in shape and evoke the triangle that is present on the Puerto Rican flag. The pattern of the Pavers will have green space as well as one special paver with a star in the center to represent the islands.

Site Planning, Architecture, Landscape

Alessandro Preda (architect), Adrián “Viajero” Román (artist)