[n/a bradnansky halada]
The project of the reconstruction of war cemetery from the First World War in Banská Bystrica is understood not only as a possibility of revival of a reverent space – witness of the cruelty of 1914-1918 – but also as a visualization of the space that shows the process of forgetting what we should remember.
The cemetery was abandoned during Communism and brutally crossed by a road junction. After the fall of Communism, it was not ready to be renewed, but rather to be further devastated. A car showroom was built on its central part, and the rest was left for nature to be covered with trees and shrubs. Only after thirty years was the cemetery brought back to life by the city.
Central part of the revitalization project is MONUMENT. Its role is to recall historical events and specific people of the First World War, as well as to provide an insight into the present state of cemetery existence. The insight, literally from elevated standing point, allows you to see all layers of forgetting and reminders in one image – a cemetery, a junction and a car showroom.
The monument is also a lookout, a chapel, a wall, a tombstone, a background, a reverent place, a banner, an information area. Object is 2.4 meters wide, 19.2 meters long and 8 meters high. It’s a wall, a tombstone, a tower and a house. Its ephemeral construction contrasts with its size and image. All structural and facade elements are welded from atmospheric steel plates only 8 mm thick. The whole object is one structural unit, the only openings in its envelope are those that are designed for entry. Text description by the architects.
Source: www.bigsee.eu + www.nla.sk
Photography by: Ján Kekeli / www.jankekeli.sk
