Design: PL-T Architects Regular Architecture
Location: Connecticut, USA
Year: 2018
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
On the morning of December 14, 2012, around 9 o’clock, a tragic shooting occurred in a classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School, claiming the lives of 20 children and 6 teachers.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Let nature shape a unique memorial space—this is “The World I See.” The phrase “The World I See” is in the present progressive tense, symbolizing that at the moment of the tragedy, teachers were still sharing with children their hopes for the coming seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and the simple, beautiful days they anticipated.
It reflects the enduring connection of the 26 children and adults who lost their lives, preserving the moment just before the shooting. It also embodies the belief that the world they saw will continue to be warm and full of love, representing hope and confidence for those who live on.
All of the children who died were between the ages of 6 and 7. These young eyes viewed life with innocence, through which adults perceive truth, goodness, and beauty. The memorial space aims to communicate this beautiful memory and positive spirit to the wider world.
“The World I See,” a unique and peaceful memorial, cannot be created by designers alone. It requires collaboration with nature. Respecting the environment, the design thoughtfully integrates the site’s original spatial features and natural elements such as trees, combined with subtle human-made water features. Together, they form a pure earth art piece—eyes gazing toward the sky.
(As shown in the image above)
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Recognizing that visitors may include families of victims, local citizens, and tourists, this “Eyes Gazing Toward the Sky” memorial is designed as an inclusive public space. It harmonizes with the surrounding forests, lakes, and parks, maintaining a subtle, natural presence within the landscape.
Within this memorial, the sky, trees, water, and 26 existing marble benches come together to form a “classroom space” seamlessly integrated with nature. This space recalls the beautiful moments before the tragedy. The classroom has a blue sky as its ceiling, flowers and trees as its walls, and clear water as its floor.
As seasons and weather shift, this space continuously changes, growing with time. It serves as an infinite continuation of the last shared, precious moments before the loss of the 26 children and teachers.
When visitors enter this natural classroom, the “Eyes Gazing Toward the Sky” space invites them to silently listen to the flowing water at noon, surrounded by the world the victims once saw.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 1: The combination of nature and design creates the “Eyes Gazing Toward the Sky” concept.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 2: Establishing the axial relationship between the design space and the original school location.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 3: The “V” shape symbolizes the moment of the shooting.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 4: Natural elements combine to create a ‘classroom space.’
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 5: A blackboard is provided for visitors to leave messages.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
Step 6: The design incorporates a water system connected to the existing pond.
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
© PL-T Architects is a regular architectural firm
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