DESIGN PROPOSAL: PROGRAM
The architectonic proposal for a polynational war memorial includes a series of interconnected institutions and a memorial. This document briefly outlines the various parts of the proposed complex.
GOAL AND PROCESS
The aim with The Polynational War Memorial is to create the most comprehensive war memorial in the world and a series of world-leading institutions. The architectonic proposal that is currently being produced will include a memorial, a series of building complexes for the institutions, parks, of which some are designed for personal memorials, solutions for infrastructure and recommendations regarding the location. I have invited three architect offices/groups – Testbedstudio (SE), Raumlabor (DE) and Servo (US/CH/SE) – to design the memorial and main buildings. Even though the programs for the buildings included in these three design projects was outlined in detail in preliminary briefs, the participants sometimes suggested additions or alterations to the program. I have also added to and translated the architects' work in the process to prepare the designs for 3D animation and other media. In some cases I have been involved more directly in the design process.
LOCATION
The Polynational War Memorial is planned to be built in six copies, on six of the world's contintents. No specific locations are named at this stage of the project. Each of these building complexes will occupy an estimated 100 hectares of land and should ideally be placed in natural environments, while being close to cities that are big enough to be able to offer accomodation, food and transport to a large number of visitors. Political stability, a history of peaceful solutions to conflicts and ability to provide the necessary infrastructure is required from the host country. One solution to overcome discussions relating to suitability of a specific nations is to establish supra-national enclaves for the complexes.
MAIN PROGRAMS
The programs of the institutions and buildings at each copy of the Polynational War Memorial may vary slightly from location to location while the design can differ entirely or partly. The following programs will be common for all copies.
• A memorial displaying the names of all those killed in war since World War II. The memorial should be updatable with new names whenever necessary. Names for the memorial is provided by a data collection centre and should be displayed digitally.
• Institutions that deals with education, public exhibits and negotiations and talks between warring parties. Data collection- and research centres that collects, analyses and publishes data about war casualties. The main building for these programs is the Unimune, an acronym for University, Museum and Negotiations.
• The Museum hosts a permanent exhibitions, the University is focused on conflict- and peace research and the centre for negotiations offers a flexible, secure and specialized facility.
• The Interfaith Centre is the complex' spiritual centre where visitors can take part in ceremonies and find solace. It is focused on interfaith dialogue and praxis.
• The complex is surrounded by large parks. Some of these are dedicated to temporary, personal memorials where visitors can create and maintain their own memorials. In these areas walls and other constructions will be erected where visitors can place commemorative objects such as photos, candles or flowers.
• The site will also include areas for administration and staff as well as public facilities and secure zones for negotiating parties and other prominent guests.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND MOBILE MEMORIALS
The memorial site will connect to the adjacent city with highways and a subway. Cars are not allowed above ground at the site but free underground parking is offered for visitors arriving by motorized transportation. All transports within the memorial area is made with electricity-powered viechles on underground roads.
Each site is the base for several mobile memorial units, basically regular trucks with scaled-down replicas of the memorial, that tours cities and rural areas to enable access to those who can not travel to the memorial sites.
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