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
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.
Cultural Facilities | Apr 16, 2018
Best in library design 2018: Six projects earn AIA/ALA library awards
Austin Central Library and the Tulsa City-County Central Library are among the top projects for 2018.
Performing Arts Centers | Feb 20, 2018
Citrus trees inspired the design of this half-billion-dollar performing arts center
SPF:architects designed the complex.
Cultural Facilities | Jan 23, 2018
BIG reveals revised Smithsonian Campus master plan
The original proposal was first unveiled in 2014.
Mixed-Use | Dec 12, 2017
A new live/work neighborhood is about to get under way in Omaha, Neb.
Walkability and recreation will be key features of West Farm.
Cultural Facilities | Nov 2, 2017
Perkins Eastman wins competition to redesign San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Plaza
The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza unanimously selected the Perkins Eastman entry as the winner.
Museums | Oct 3, 2017
Denmark’s new LEGO experience hub looks like it’s made out of giant LEGO blocks
The 12,000-sm building is part of Billund, Denmark’s goal to become the ‘Capital for Children.’
