CONCEPT OF MEMORY PARK ON THE MORDECHAJ TENENBAUM’S PLACE
My aim was to create a "memory park" for the victims of the Bialystok Ghetto Uprising. The location is within the borders of the Jewish Ghetto from World War II. The land under development is limited by four-storey multi-family residential buildings. Place lost its value due to considerable negligence. In that case, the most important is to find the right form for the difficult subject of commemoration, so that it will not too gloomy and pathetic, close to residential blocks. This is a big challenge to change the function of the area, however, the developed plot has great potential to become one of the most important indicators of Bialystok. The idea is to create a memorial park with a museum that will open up to new space. And it will not disturb the daily activities of residents.
WHAT?
Memory park
WHERE?
Białystok, Poland
WHEN?
July 2017
Fig.1 Concept plan.
My work is a good example of commemorating decent people, using positive emotions. Staying in this place, you can feel hope and openness. The park is based on a large number of existing trees, which are known to improve the mental wellbeing of the residents.
A large amount of greenery do not disturb the ideology of the park of memory but emphasizes it more. It sends the ideology of "germinating hope” and looking ahead optimistically, while remembering past events. The new species, which will attract the eyes will be a birch (Betula utilis 'Doorenbos') with snow-white bark. The project will see many species of meadow plants growing in the vicinity of the museum. Park will be adapted for all users. As much green space as possible is kept, which is most conducive to passive or active activity. The designed area is equipped with a variety of seating areas, whether in the form of a simple bench or a wall or plastic seat in the form of a circle around the trees. All of this is characterized by the simplicity of the composition with the richness of greenery.
Designed memory park has many hidden symbols that are not shown directly. The famous symbols of Jewish culture (Star of David) and monumental art (mound) are shaped into the less obvious forms of landscape architecture. This approach to the topic is reinforced by associations that are very much sought after in the design of memory parks.
Fig.2 Conceptual sketches.
Fig.3 Technical plan.
The total area of park is 17 300 m2. The area occupied by vegetation will be 15 000 m2. In turn, the area occupied by paved surfaces (communication paths) will occupy approximately 2 300 m2. In comparison to the existing state, I increased the amount of biologically active area by less than 2,000 m2.
Design work began with delimiting several lines characteristic for the developed area. The most important guidelines have become: existing trampled paths, the distribution of existing trees, the layout of the terrain and neighboring buildings, as well as view points and routes.
The museum building will have an unusual shape. The starting form, which was an inspiration, was a mound. In turn, this mound will also have the form of a green roof. Meadow plants will be planted around the museum. Also, the Jewish cemetery together with a commemorative plaque will be moved closer to Żabia Street next to the museum. Taking into account the current condition, it is necessary to replace all surfaces in the area covered by the study. Then, it is important to exchange and increase the number of points of light in the designed park. The ghetto wall will be renovated and painted white. It will be an interesting contrast with the surrounding greenery. In place of garages that will be dismantled, square mirror posts will appear.
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Fig.4 Presentation board.