Through the course of human interaction, the collective memory of society has been molded by our shared experiences. To preserve this memory for future generations, societies have developed various means of representation, which serve as the defining features of public spaces. As the demands of each era lead to the evolution of urban environments, so too have techniques for representing memory transformed. Today, it is essential to assess this process of change through the lens of memorial spaces and monuments that breathe life into memory as a part of the urban landscape.
In contrast to traditional monuments or memorials, commemoration spaces within urban areas engage with their social and physical surroundings. These commemoration spaces, unique to the city, create a higher-quality urban image. In my final project, I aim to design a series of modular negotiation booths strategically placed throughout urban areas. These booths would form a network around campuses or cities, establishing digital spaces within the physical environment to facilitate community interaction.
These commemoration spaces would share a common, modular design, allowing for flexible adaptation to different locations and purposes while providing an ideal setting for commemorative activities. They would resemble grid-based fabricated glass stones that could be strategically placed throughout cities. These spaces would interact with people through sensory mechanisms, responding to the number of visitors and their proximity to the area. The system responds to the pressure exerted by people's weight, causing the stones to illuminate in accordance with these sensors. Every action performed on the surface of this area generates a distinctive combination, effectively transforming people's activities into an open-air installation. The colors of these spaces could change dynamically to capture visitors' attention.
Visitors who engage with these commemorative spaces would have the opportunity to connect with a central system through a QR code or interactive games. This connection would enable them to immerse themselves in the digital meeting realm of the commemoration area, connecting with people from around the world on specific commemoration activity.
These negotiation booths have the potential to transform cities into interactive landscapes that foster social sustainability and community engagement by providing a digital public space. People would have a platform to voice their opinions and participate actively in current events. Much like how these areas establish recreational zones within the urban landscape, they also form an uncharted realm for commemorating events, offering a platform for individuals to connect, unite, and express their opinions.