WAR Pavilion
Conceptual Design for the Iran-Iraq War Memorial Pavilion
**Introduction**
In the heart of a serene park spanning 3000 square meters stands a conceptual memorial dedicated to the Iran-Iraq War, a conflict that has left indelible marks on the history and psyche of a nation. This memorial and pavilion are not merely structures but a narrative in stone and space, a reflection on the dichotomy of war, represented through the interplay of darkness and light, roughness and smoothness.
**Design Philosophy**
The design seeks to embody the tumultuous essence of war and the subsequent yearning for peace. It does this through the juxtaposition of two opposing colors: black and white. Black, the embodiment of the war's devastation and the darkness it cast over the land, contrasts with white, the color of purity and hope that peace eventually brings.
**Structural Elements**
The memorial is an amalgamation of slices and cuts, soft and harsh volumes that collide and coalesce to form an abstract representation of an explosion. This metaphorical explosion is not one of destruction but rather the powerful impact of collective memory on the fabric of society.
The pavilion's form is purposefully fragmented, inviting contemplation and exploration. Visitors traverse through the interlocking black and white spaces, experiencing the narrative of conflict and resolution. The sharp, jagged edges of black surfaces represent the brutality of war, while the smooth, flowing white forms suggest the soothing balm of peace.
**The Journey Through the Memorial**
As visitors walk through the pavilion, they embark on a journey that is as much physical as it is emotional. The design orchestrates a path where the hard, angular black volumes gradually give way to the serene white curves, symbolizing the transition from war to peace.
The interplay of light and shadow within the pavilion creates a dynamic environment, changing with the time of day and seasons, each shadow telling its own story of the war's legacy. This contrast is further emphasized by the materials chosen for construction: matte black stone and glossy white marble, each enhancing the sensory experience of the respective colors.
