After a seven month design competition that comprised 68 entries and six shortlisted designs, the onePULSE Foundation (a nonprofit established by the owner of the Pulse nightclub after the mass shooting that took place) has selected Coldefy & Associés’ design for a permanent memorial and museum.
The multi-level, open-air structure features a shallow reflecting pool that surrounds the original Pulse nightclub building. A palette of 49 colors, for the 49 victims of the shooting, lines the reflecting pool basin and radiates towards the public spaces and the reflecting pool leads to an outdoor garden planted with 49 trees. An adjacent space is dedicated to gathering and celebration.
The renewed West Kaley street provides a shaded connection to the new museum, which rises “like a budding flower” and signals the entrance to the Pulse district. Vertical gardens and public plazas create new community spaces and a rooftop promenade offers views of the memorial and the entire surrounding district.
See Also: A watchtower in Harlem, once a firefighter’s lookout, is restored as a landmark
A Survivors Walk on Orange Avenue leads from the memorial towards downtown and features interactive sculptures commemorating all those affected by the tragedy. In the future, promenades, bike paths, and a Pulse shuttle will connect to the train station and create walkable loops that will help spark the future growth of the neighborhood.
The entire project team consists of Coldefy & Associés with RDAI, HHCP Architects, Xavier Veilhan, dUCKS scéno, Agence TER, and Prof. Laila Farah.
Related Stories
Libraries | Feb 10, 2019
New library branch in San Diego opens with its community’s learning and working traits in mind
It features larger gathering spaces and more technology than its predecessor.
Libraries | Jan 18, 2019
Chicago’s newest library branch preserves the old and ushers in the new
Its exterior design reflects the neighborhood’s industrial history, while its interior fosters community and shared learning.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 24, 2018
San Antonio approves redevelopment of Alamo Plaza
The San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 in favor of the makeover.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 10, 2018
Moviegoers are looking for an ‘intimate experience’
Comfort and service are keys to attracting repeat customers, says an expert whose firm specializes in cinema design.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 11, 2018
Risorgimento, Buffalo style
Further evidence of the positive impact of the cultural centers on neighborhood development and economic growth can be found in Buffalo, N.Y., where plans for the Italian Cultural Center are moving forward.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 11, 2018
Cultural centers: Community-based venues can be catalysts for downtown renewal
New cultural centers have sparked development in the form of new offices, restaurants, retail, hotels, business incubators, apartments, and arenas.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 2, 2018
Topping Off: Pikes Peak is getting a new Summit Complex
The 26,000-sf facility will be green, resilient, and emphasize the view rather than the architecture.
Libraries | Jun 1, 2018
New library offers a one-stop shop for what society is craving: hands-on learning
Beyond lending books and DVDs, the Elkridge (Md.) branch library loans household tools like ladders, wheelbarrows, and sewing machines.
Museums | Jun 1, 2018
The new Orange County Museum of Art will be Orange County’s largest center for arts and culture
Morphosis designed the building.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
