Freedom's Anchor - The Beirut Blast Memorial
| Designed & Rendered by Pilcrow Architects
“Freedom’s Anchor” was conceived through a thinking process combining the many elements that were in place during the tragedy of 4/8.
The memorial starts off with a basic circular plaza.
The cylindric shape was inspired by the grain silos (now strongly damaged) that played a serious role in absorbing some of the blast’s immense power. It is torn apart by a number of diagonal light strips that symbolize the blast.
Piercing through the cylinder, is a number of light batons. During the day, the batons are visible as opaque, strong and dark elements. They serve as a reminder of the lost souls.
During the night, the batons light up to symbolize the impact of those victims in the darkness of this country’s days.
The number of the batons is equal to the number of victims (177).
Revolving around the Freedom’s Anchor are two ramps leading to the underground memorial. Along the way leading down, names of the victims are engraved on the walls.
All the functions are kept underground to maximize the use of public space at the ground floor.
The ramps facilitate the access for disabled people.
The Water plan at the underground level creates a sense of Zen-like peace and freshness.
All the underground functions are lit by a series of patios that allow natural light to flow through the project.
Freedom’s Anchor will serve as a reminder that our decisions have an impact, and that our role as citizens will remain in maintaining the freedom that was once anchored, on the 4th of august 2020, by the blood of the victims.
