Halos — Hou de Sousa

Halos - Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Proposal

While walking through the site we were struck by how the trees and topography visually obscure and frame a series of cellulated spaces. The experience of encountering one unique space, followed by another, begins to perpetuate a desire for discovery. We sought to design a place that could foster a spectrum of unique journeys. A place to walk around lost in thought, marked by occasional moments of respite and reflection.

The majority of this proposal consists of two elements; pathways and planted scaffolds. A network of concentric paths (whose composition is akin to rain drops rippling across the surface of water) provides access to the entirely of the site, while larger overlapping rings directly connect foci such as the ridge, ponds, and memorial areas. The plant covered scaffolding defines spaces, provides privacy, and encloses unique areas. The scaffolds take on a variety of forms, tilts, and arcs, which in combination provides a dynamic spatial and visual experience, unique at every angle and footstep. It also has a life all its own, changing season to season, and attracting birds and other wildlife.

The area designated as “Memorial Hill” holds the sacred soil, which has been shaped into a large dew drop and encased in resin. Surrounding this sacred soil is a set of concentric granite pews that taper to ground level in order to provide access and maintain unbroken bonds.

The site differs greatly from place to place so it was critical to approach each condition with specific care. The large clearing allows for a substantial new landscaping, but the forested area surrounding the ponds is beautiful as is. Minimal paths provide access in these spaces, while there are opportunities for bridges at the small pond and a one-of-a-kind sunken walkway and waterfall within the larger pond.

Halos

was proposed in 2017.