The United States World War One Centennial Commission has announced its selection of Joseph Weishaar, a 25-year-old architect from Chicago, and Sabin Howard, a sculptor from New York, as its choice to design a new World War I monument, set to be constructed in Washington D.C.’s Pershing Park.
The project, titled “The Weight of Sacrifice,” will feature a wall depicting war scenes and a new statue meant to honor General John J. Pershing.
About the project, the design team writes, “Each cubic foot of the memorial represents an American soldier lost in the war; 116,516 in all. Upon this unified mass spreads a verdant lawn. This is a space for freedom built upon the great weight of sacrifice.”
They continue, “Above all, the memorial sculptures and park design stress the glorification of humanity and enduring spirit over the glorification of war.”
Rendering courtesy of World War One Centennial Commission
The walls will feature quotations that will “guide visitors around the memorial through the changes in elevation, weaving a poetic narrative of the war as described by generals, politicians, and soldiers. “
The new memorial, which was authorized by congress last year, is expected to cost between $30 million and $35 million. The commission has raised a total of $1 million so far.
The updating of the 1.8-acre Pershing Park, which this new project will be a part of, has not been smooth sailing, however. Opponents of the remake, like Charles Birnbaum, of the Cultural Landscape Foundation, say the current design of the park should be preserved, or at least incorporated into the new design, according to DCist.
Meanwhile, proponents say the old park has become dilapidated and in need of an update. Even though a design has officially been selected, there are still a few barriers to overcome, as multiple historic preservation organizations still need to give their OK, Construction Dive reports.
At just 25 years old, this project represents a huge opportunity for Weishaar.
Rendering courtesy of World War One Centennial Commission
Related Stories
Building Team | Apr 4, 2017
Dispelling five myths about post-occupancy evaluations
Many assume that post-occupancy (POE) is a clearly-defined term and concept, but the meaning of POE in practice remains wildly inconsistent.
Structural Materials | Apr 3, 2017
Best of structural steel construction: 4WTC, Fulton Center, Pterodactyl win AISC IDEAS2 Awards
The annual awards program, sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction, honors the best in structural steel design and construction.
Green | Mar 29, 2017
Copenhagen Zoo and BIG unveil yin yang-shaped panda habitat
The new habitat will sit between two existing buildings, including the Elephant House designed by Norman Foster.
Architects | Mar 28, 2017
A restroom for everyone
Restroom access affects everyone: people with medical needs or disabilities, caretakers, transgender people, parents with children of the opposite gender, and really anyone with issues or needs around privacy.
High-rise Construction | Mar 27, 2017
Density and tall buildings
CRTKL’s Maren Striker examines Europe’s desire to build upward.
Architects | Mar 9, 2017
Watch Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller discuss architecture in animated video shorts
Given more time, Wright wanted to rebuild the country and change the nation.
Architects | Mar 6, 2017
Demolished Frank Lloyd Wright buildings get new life with photorealistic renderings
Architect David Romero recreated the Larkin Administration Building and the Rose Pauson House with detailed, fully colored renderings.
Building Team | Mar 6, 2017
AEC firms: Your website is one of the most important things you'll build
Don’t believe it? You’d better take a look at the research.
Architects | Mar 3, 2017
Hoffmann Architects’ Leadership Elected President of Three Industry Organizations
Maureen Dobbins, Lawrence Keenan, and Arthur Sanders to lead chapters of BOMA, AIA, and ICRI.