Elaine Massacre Memorial
Eckerbuilt · Helena, AR
Overview
The Elaine Massacre Memorial commemorates one the deadliest racial conflicts in the history of the United States – the Elaine Massacre of 1919. The following goals were established for the project: express regret for the tragic loss of life, have a sense of solemn purpose, and evoke an emotional response in the visitor. Smooth, sculptural walls form an outdoor space resembling a chancel. The altar is dedicated to those, known and unknown, who lost their lives.
Space was dedicated in Court Square Park, the front lawn of the Phillips County Courthouse in Helena, Arkansas to commemorate one of the deadliest and least known about racial conflicts in the history of the United States – the Elaine Massacre of 1919. The owners established the following goals for the project: express regret for the tragic loss of life, have a sense of solemn purpose, and evoke an emotional response in the visitor. A series of design charrettes caused the memorial to take on a sculptural form. Smooth, black, curving concrete walls form an outdoor space resembling the chancel in a church. An elevated plane was created to house the cenotaph like an altar in a church. The cenotaph is the monument that stands to represent those known and unknown who lost their lives. The elevated plane is accessible via sloping walks at the perimeter or 3 steps at the central entrance. The space is surrounded by curved walls of varying height with linear gardens forming the east and west perimeters. Watch the documentary "Of Concrete and Skin" here: http://www.eckerbuilt.com/elaine-massacre-memorial/of-concrete-and-skin/
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