A look at Kimmel's WWI Memorial Design
Image Credit: Terp Magazine article by Karen Shih and Kimmel Studio, LLC
Thousands of servicemen gave their lives during the first World War, and yet there is no monument commemorating their ultimate sacrifice.
Recognizing this, the World War One Centennial Commission took over 350 memorial plan submissions last month, of which 2003 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alum, Devin Kimmel, was named a finalist.
“To have had his design chosen from 350 international entries is huge,” Jack Sullivan, associate professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, explained. “There are few highly visible competitions like this, [and] the Pershing Park site in Washington, D.C. has been and will continue to be an important landmark for residents and visitors alike.”
Kimmel, who received his bachelors degree from AGNR and a masters degree from UMD’s School of Architecture, named his submission, “World War One Grotto of Remembrance” with the idea that visitors would walk down tree-lined paths into an elliptical space where three WWI scenes would be featured. In the monument’s center, lamps of “Liberty” and “Democracy” will reflect into a grotto and reflecting pool, adorned with smaller details reminiscent of the time period.
“Effective memorials take advantage of their surroundings, often using views to and from the site to identify its presence and position in the landscape, whether it is an urban, suburban or rural situation,” Sullivan said. “Well designed memorials respond to cultural as well as physical conditions and characteristics and, as living, growing landscapes must be in tune with climate, soil conditions, and solar access. [The design must also consider] who the users will be, how many people will visit the memorial and how will the site be managed to maintain order and longevity.”
“Devin's proposal is successful because it appeals to many who believe that the WWI design should have some of the character of that period, establishing a place that honors traditions using traditional elements,” Sullivan elaborated. “I believe traditional values can merge with contemporary ideas about space, use and character, establishing new and innovative ways to recognize and honor those who gave their lives during times of war.”
Though Kimmel’s submission was not named as the ultimate winner, Kimmel was able to effectively yet creatively present a plan that had a “strong park concept” and which generated the most commentary compared to his competitors.
“AGNR, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture and the School of Architecture, all of which influenced Devin, gives students the tools to think critically and responsibly, which also gives students the confidence to act boldly- a necessary ingredient of every design competition."
“It's all about 'fearlessness,’” Sullivan concluded. “You can't be a timid Terp and expect big results.”
