The Ideal Memorial
The ideal memorial is something that can't be simply defined. It is something that depends on a variety of different things, for example, the fundamental purpose of that memorial; what is it trying to honor or whats memory is it trying to preserve? If those questions are answered first, then only can we begin to discuss what constitutes the ideal memorial.
The ideal memorial starts off with the place. Where should it be constructed? This comes down to what is being represented. Is it something that has a physical, central location? Or is it a more abstract idea. Things like wars, for example, could be represented by a memorial at a physical battle location, or it could be more symbolically represented at a site where the war didn't take place.
Continuing on the topic of location, is it to be place in a public, more accessible location? Or a location where it is more secluded and gives the entire memorial a more somber touch. An accessible location has the benefit of being an omnipresent reminder of what the memorial is trying to honor, while an inaccessible location makes sure that those who decide to travel to that memorial, have the proper reasoning for visiting it; the memorial doesn't become something that is just a daily occurrence, but rather a more purpose built thing.
A characteristic that seems to tie all memorials together is their ability to represent something more than just itself. Say, the Hiroshima Memorial, this wasn't a purpose built memorial, instead it is a reminder of the horrors that nuclear weapons are. The fragile frame left behind represent the thin strings that tie society together, and how easy it is to disrupt that natural state.
The ideal memorial starts off with the place. Where should it be constructed? This comes down to what is being represented. Is it something that has a physical, central location? Or is it a more abstract idea. Things like wars, for example, could be represented by a memorial at a physical battle location, or it could be more symbolically represented at a site where the war didn't take place.
Continuing on the topic of location, is it to be place in a public, more accessible location? Or a location where it is more secluded and gives the entire memorial a more somber touch. An accessible location has the benefit of being an omnipresent reminder of what the memorial is trying to honor, while an inaccessible location makes sure that those who decide to travel to that memorial, have the proper reasoning for visiting it; the memorial doesn't become something that is just a daily occurrence, but rather a more purpose built thing.
A characteristic that seems to tie all memorials together is their ability to represent something more than just itself. Say, the Hiroshima Memorial, this wasn't a purpose built memorial, instead it is a reminder of the horrors that nuclear weapons are. The fragile frame left behind represent the thin strings that tie society together, and how easy it is to disrupt that natural state.
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