MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF COMMUNISM (Site 2): “EQUALITY, FREEDOMS, JUSTICE AND REPRESENTATION”

Ottawa, CANADA

Equality, Freedoms, Justice and Representation. These four principles, which ensure the rights of citizens governed by a democracy, are enshrined in white granite pillars and stand firmly anchored to Canadian bedrock in Ottawa’s Garden of the Provinces and Territories.
The monument is set at the center of a contemplative oval space symbolizing Canadian sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of refugees from communist regimes. Radiating from the core, 200 bronze blades — free-standing noble silhouettes embedded in earth and planting — remind visitors of the triumph of human spirit over the dehumanizing and oppressive nature of communist regimes. Each blade is etched with the surnames of 5 victims honored by Canadian families whose 1,000 stories of communist repression will be made accessible via internet linkage. Each blade also stands for 500,000 victims, thus giving form to the estimated 100 million deaths attributed to communism worldwide.

Design Team: AECOM / The Kurylas Studio

Renderings & Video: AECOM

Award: Competition Finalist