About the Memorial

Composition and Space

This memorial is not designed to be experienced in a single way with one single message, but rather it is to have a broad accessibility, appealing to all of the senses with diverse and overlapping themes. The introduction of an arcing berm into the horizontal arrangement of the site encourages the Mountain of Despair to be a threshold; after crossing it the visitor is isolated from the traffic along Independence Avenue. The visitors are then free to view, sit, meet, speak and congregate in large and small groups throughout the plaza.

The use of water creates an audible buffer, further enhancing the sensation of being enveloped within the space. Mists will help cool the environment in the warm summer months and rough hewn stone will recall the movement of falling water in the cold winter months. The varied textures of water, stone and landscape will create an environment that is inviting and functional in all seasons and from year to year.

Site | Design Elements | Composition and Space | Dr. King's Spiritual Presence

Design & Construction Team