Architecture is as much a reflection of a culture and society as is it a conscious representation of that culture. Through structures and design, we are able to translate ideals, objectives and motivations and examine what is truly important, valued and in vogue in varying societies.
The sensitive development or memorial architecture, therefore, is extremely important in every single culture around the world, with the newly opened Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa offering an example of such architecture in Canada.
Designed to commemorate those who have lost their lives while working as firefighters, the memorial specifically focuses on paying tribute to those who died in Ottawa’s major fire of 1900. To determine the design of the public space, the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) and the National Capital Commission held a national design competition.
PLANT Architect, Inc. and author Douglas Coupland won the tender and have developed the landscaped architectural piece to centre with a focus on a number of key features, which has been described as a “mis-en-scéne of ‘characters’ integrated into the Canadian landscape.”
“Both to fulfill the purposes of ceremony and procession, and to navigate visitors through the space, a series of architectural, sculptural, and landscape interventions were introduced: the central ceremony area is defined and framed by the site’s two opposing landforms, leading visitors along the Name Wall to the base of the Dedication Pine Tree,” the architects said.
This layout will be necessary to allow the memorial space to fulfill its other function, which is to act as a home for the CFFF’s Annual Ceremony.
The centrepiece of the piece, however, is an iconic bronze firefighter statue. Included with a 60-foot firepole, the towering monolith overlooks the surrounding dedication pine tree, grove and stone name wall, offering a symbolic representation of the protection-based nature that is the firefighters role.
The memorial stands as not only a testament to fallen heroes, but offers to memorialize Canadian culture as a whole with nationalistic features that contextualize the space and offer a fitting commemoration to those lost in the line of duty.
