Team space2place
Team members
Jeff Cutler, Landscape Architect, space2place
Ken Lum, Artist
Design intent
History has shown us that when people are ready to be free from tyrannical rule, statues are pulled down as a symbol of change and representing the possibility of limitless positive change. The proposal put forth by the team of Space2Place focusses on the moment a communist leader’s statue is toppling. A statue of Vladimir Lenin has been chosen because he represents the first leader of a communist state. The statue is set within a defined square that transitions into a Canadian park-like setting featuring irregularly placed boulders and benches constructed out of wood and stone. Ideas of freedom and hope are embodied by the befalling statue and enveloped in a space of contemplation and nature. A donors’ wall made of reflective stainless steel reflects the scene of the statue and its surroundings.
Transcript of the Memorial to victims of communism: Team space2place video
No narration during the video.
The visual elements describing the monument in this video are in 3D animation.
Text on screen:
Memorial to the Victims of Communism
Canada, A Land of Refuge
space2place and Ken Lum
Historical black and white footage of communist imagery, including the flag of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin giving a speech, a large bust of Joseph Stalin, a communist rally in China, a map showing the spread of communism in Europe and Asia.
Recent video footage showing the toppling of the various statues of Lenin.
View of the Memorial as if walking through the site past the main sculpture – a 4-metre-high monument of Lenin that is frozen in the midst of falling down – and arriving at a large mirrored panel.
Text on screen: The Memorial enhances the western section of the Garden of the Provinces and Territories.
Text on screen: …a rectilinear square symbolizing communist rigidity that shifts to a more holistic Canadian landscape.
Overhead animated views of the Memorial site showing the toppling monument set within a granite paved area with surrounding seating and landscaping. Visitors are shown walking through the site, looking at the monument and mosaic of names, and seated on the benches.
Text on screen: The Memorial is designed as a space to foster contemplation and reflection.
Text on screen: The mosaic of 1000 names is etched into the surface of a mirror finish panel reflecting the park and the statue.
Text on screen: The toppled monument represents a moment imbued with the possibility of limitless positive change.
Time-lapse view ending with the Memorial illuminated at night.
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