The project title “The Nameless” emphasizes the theme of hope by representing the stories of the immigrants, the poor, the homeless, the marginalized, and the rejected of New York City. The chosen site was Hart Island, which serves as the city’s potter’s field, and more than a million nameless were buried here. Shared by different religions and races, a Spiritual Center was created where everyone can have a conversation with their own divine and oneself.
Dear Nameless,
The public has waited far too long to visit you. Your home, the Hart Island serves as New York City’s potter’s field, and more than a million nameless were buried here. Burials on the island include individuals who were not claimed by their families or did not have private funerals; the homeless and the indigent; and mass burials of disease victims. It represents the stories of New York’s immigrants, the poor, the homeless, the marginalized, and the rejected. Hart Island is for the nameless.
The Nameless will be a place where one can commemorate you. The unbiased shape of the circle represents the notion of the self, the eternity and the totality of life. Building masses will be scattered around the site to support the continuous roof, and at the same time, showing the axis to the memorial. Death may be painful for everyone, but it will unite us, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Despite the chaos in today’s society, there is still hope in the place of the unknown. The Nameless will be a common ground for all.
Love,
Nameless
