Landscape Architect:
Dix.Hite+Partners

Project Team:

Project Manager:
Kody Smith, ASLA

Project Designer:
Rachel Taylor, ASLA

General Contractor:
Jones Clayton Construction

Metal Fabricator:
Barfield Fence

Specialty Fabricator:
Media1

Specialty Fabricator:
Laurentanto Sign Group

Design and Construction Detailing:
Phil Kean Design Group

LOCATION

Orlando, Florida

PROJECT SYNOPSIS

In response to the community’s desire for a comforting space to mourn the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, the Landscape Architect, in conjunction with a team of stakeholders, created a vision for a temporary memorial to serve the community until a permanent memorial was built. The design is inspired by patterns of use observed on the site prior to construction and the vibrancy of the original nightclub. Directing the flow of movement, using artful lighting, focusing interaction, and addressing the groundplane were key elements to the design approach. Since opening in May 2018, the interim memorial has received over 55,000 visits. Visitors leave gifts in the offering walls, write notes on the message panel, meander along the graphic ribbon wall, witness areas of the damaged building, and share moments of reflection on the “love seats.” What was once a fenced-off crime scene is now a welcoming space providing the community with a place to heal.