Public Memorial Proposal
Status: Schematic Design
The World War I Memorial proposed for the World War One Centennial Commission balances commemoration, symbolism, and architectural innovation. The monument is meant to honor the 4.7 million American military personnel who served in World War I, with a special focus on the 116,516 soldiers who lost their lives.
The design centers around a 120-foot cube, composed of 116,516 ceramic tiles, each tile representing a soldier who died during the war. These tiles are suspended in a tensile matrix between two towers, creating an ethereal structure that also serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the collective sacrifice. The towers’ columns are adorned with ceramic tiles representing the over 4.5 million soldiers who returned home, further reinforcing the contrast between loss and survival.
The use of these suspended tiles creates a dynamic moiré pattern that shifts as visitors move around the plaza, encouraging contemplation and reflection on the scale of the war’s impact. Positioned with visibility from the National Mall, this proposed monument is designed to invite both private reverence and public recognition of the war’s far-reaching legacy.
The monument not only memorializes those who served but also highlights the war’s role in propelling the U.S. into the modern age, marking significant technological advancements like the transition from horses to tanks and airplanes.