In response to the tragic loss of Flight MH-17, we present our vision for a memorial landscape park on Amsterdam’s Ijmeer. This competition proposal revolves around a circular, sunken artificial island—a 200-meter diameter circle with an area of 31,500 square meters—emerging as a beacon of healing and renewal.
Concept and Design
At the heart of our concept lies the soil from the crash site, repurposed to symbolize life and renewal. This soil, infused with the memory of those lost, serves as both a memorial and an allegory, transforming tragedy into a place of contemplation and growth.
Journey to Ijmeer’s Landing
Approaching Ijmeer’s Landing, the circular island rises from the Dutch waters, adorned with a canopy of treetops visible from afar. As visitors draw nearer, the forest opens to reveal hundreds of individual trees, each representing a life lost in the plane crash—a testament to the uniqueness of each soul remembered.
Immersive Experience
Descending into Ijmeer’s Landing, visitors are enveloped by a serene, green landscape. Small hills and natural contours conceal public areas, inviting complete immersion into the tranquil surroundings. The absence of structured paths encourages organic exploration, reflecting the diverse paths of life that intersect and diverge naturally.
Symbolism and Reflection
Throughout the island’s perimeter, 298 openings punctuate the vertical wall, each illuminated to signify a life lost. Some lights are brighter, some softer, echoing the varied impact and presence of each individual. As wind passes through, faint whispers and gentle movements evoke a profound sense of presence and remembrance.
A Place for Healing and Unity
This memorial park not only pays homage to the victims of MH-17 but also fosters a space for collective reflection, healing, and resilience. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and remembrance, offering solace amidst the natural beauty of Amsterdam’s Ijmeer.
Resilience
As we envision this memorial, we honor the lives lost with a place that speaks to the depths of our collective grief and the resilience of the human spirit. In its quietude and natural beauty, this memorial invites all to remember, reflect, and find peace.
