Site- As-Memorial
For this project, Ross Myren and I envisioned a visitor center on Hart Island with the intent of helping visitors through their journey of mourning while also rehabilitating the island itself, whose land has been badly abused over the years.
An early exploration into how new growth can heal a hurt space, looking at a weeping willow and its roots which spread horizontally under the ground.
Hart Island layout and history- old + new
To further exam the structure of hart Island, I divided the land based on different burial groups. Although the island is now a mass burial site, there was initial organization established and recorded.
Working on an island brings up issue of wind and shelter. We wanted to give visitors the option to wait for the ferry on two levels, one sheltered, and one less so . The first level houses a Hart Island history exhibit and an art gallery showing institutionalized peoples art- a reflection of the mistreatment of formerly institutionalized people on the island. The second floor serves as a reflection space where one can sit and look out onto the water which leads onto a roof space and meditation garden for the warmer & less windy months.
First Floor Gallery
Showing the first and second levels of waiting areas.
Hart Island History
Ferry Look-Out/Contemplation
Meditation Garden
We encouraged individuals mourning to take seedlings from our nursery to plant on Hart Island in memory of their loved one. As time goes on they can come back to the island to see the growth of plant, while also helping to revitalize the islands ecosystem.
