Latin American construction company Gómez Platero has revealed its design for a circular memorial hall in Uruguay, dedicated to honoring the victims of the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed World Pandemic Memorial is a large water sculpture situated offshore along the Uruguayan coast.
Designed by Gómez Platero, the memorial hall aims to offer visitors a sensory experience and a tranquil space to reflect and remember those lost to COVID-19. The studio notes that, if built, it would be the first large-scale memorial of its kind.
“Architecture is a powerful tool for changing the world,” stated Martín Gómez Platero, the project’s supervisor and chief architect. “What matters most is that it represents a collective historical reality, made up of cultural fragments accumulated over time.”
He added, “By creating a memorial that engages the senses and evokes memories, we remind visitors—much like the pandemic itself—that as humans, we are intrinsically connected to nature, not separate from it.”
A long walkway extends from the shoreline to the main circular platform, which spans 40 meters in diameter. At the center of the sculpture, a 10-meter-wide opening allows rocks and water beneath to flow and surge dynamically.
The concave surface of the memorial will be constructed from concrete, while the bottom surface will feature weather-resistant steel—a durable material that naturally ages and requires minimal maintenance as water levels around the terrace fluctuate over time.
The architectural design offers a refuge from urban noise and distractions, surrounding visitors with nature. Even while social distancing remains necessary, the platform can accommodate up to 300 people at once.
To reduce environmental impact, the studio plans to pre-assemble parts of the structure in the workshop before completing construction on-site.
Gómez Platero is currently collaborating with the Uruguayan government to choose a site that minimizes environmental impact and benefits the wider community. The construction of the World Pandemic Memorial Hall is expected to take approximately six months.
Since late 2019, COVID-19 has resulted in over 22 million infections and 777,000 deaths worldwide. The pandemic has led to city lockdowns and closures of businesses and schools globally.
Other architects and designers have also proposed memorials to honor those who died during the pandemic. Italian architect Angelo Renne suggested planting 35,000 trees at Milan Stadium, while architect Miró Rivera envisioned a bowl-shaped structure and cemetery near the Dead Sea in Jordan.
△ General layout plan
△ Section diagram
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