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
| Apr 11, 2012
C.W. Driver completes Rec Center on CSUN campus
The state-of-the-art fitness center supports university’s goal to encourage student recruitment and retention.
| Apr 10, 2012
JE Dunn completes two medical office buildings at St. Anthony’s Lakewood, Colo. campus
Designed by Davis Partnership Architects, P.C., Medical Plaza 1 and 2 are four-story structures totaling 96,804-sf and 101,581-sf respectively.
| Apr 10, 2012
THINK [about architecture] Scholarship enters 15th year
Students are invited to submit two-minute creative videos that illustrate how they interact with their school's design and what the space makes possible.
| Apr 10, 2012
Structured Development & Bucksbaum close on new retail site in Chicago
The site is the location of New City, a mixed-use development that will feature 370,000-sf of retail space and 280 residential rental units.
| Apr 10, 2012
Moriarty & Associates selected as GC for Miami’s BrickellHouse Condo
Construction of the 46-story development is schedule to get underway this summer and be completed in 2014.
| Apr 6, 2012
Flat tower green building concept the un-skycraper
A team of French designers unveil the “Flat Tower” design, a second place winner in the 2011 eVolo skyscraper competition.
| Apr 6, 2012
National Association of Women in Construction forum to be hosted in Philadelphia
The April Forum, titled “Declare your Independence!” will feature educational sessions on topics ranging from Managing the Generation Gap and Dealing with Contract language across state borders to Strategic and Succession Planning.
| Apr 6, 2012
Rooftop solar energy program wins critical approval from L.A. city council
Los Angeles Business Council applauds decision allowing LADWP to create new national model for rooftop solar energy