It is a place that reminds us of the tragic events of the past. Architects from the Archiworks studio have prepared an installation that, in the form of a Monument, commemorates the mass graves in the Jewish Cemetery on Okopowa Street in Warsaw. The structure was nominated for the Architectural Award of the President of the City of Warsaw in the ‘Public Space’ category.
The monument commemorating the mass graves at the Jewish Cemetery on Okopowa Street in Warsaw is a unique project by the Archiworks team, co-created by Karol Dzik, Krzysztof Matuszewski and Maciej Szpalerski. Completed in 2022, it provides a symbolic and emotional site of remembrance, paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Warsaw Ghetto inhabitants who died and were buried in these mass graves during World War II. Completed on the initiative of the Jewish Community of Warsaw and the Cultural Heritage Foundation, it is an example of contemporary sacred architecture that combines a commemorative function with a modern architectural form, but also a model of successful collaboration between architects and the local community to commemorate important community memorials. Not surprisingly, it has met with recognition from both the architectural community and the people of Warsaw, as evidenced by its nomination in 2023 for the prestigious architectural award, the Architectural Prize of the Mayor of the City of Warsaw. This is because every year, starting from 2014, the projects and realisations selected for it provide an overview of the best and most important architecture of Warsaw in the 21st century.
The concept of the monument has been realised in full harmony with the historic surroundings of the Jewish Cemetery. The design does not compromise the integrity of the space, but emphasises its importance as a place of remembrance. Hence, the monument not only commemorates, but also acts as a space for reflection and meditation. Its location and scale allow for an intimate atmosphere in which visitors can pause and pay tribute to the victims.
The memorial is delineated by corten walls that precisely highlight the boundaries of the graves. This material, which is covered with a natural layer of rust over time, not only introduces permanence into the structure, but also refers to the aesthetics of passing. Between the walls, planes of stones have been laid to symbolise the memory of the nameless victims. Stones, in the Jewish tradition, have a deeply symbolic dimension and are a sign of lasting memory.
At the central point of the space, a steel openwork pedestal has been designed. The stones, arranged in the form of a broken column, are a symbol of interrupted life and hope. It is a sophisticated element that brings dynamism to the minimalist surroundings.
The use of metal and natural colours, primarily grey, in the design emphasises the seriousness of the site and its historical significance. The simple colour scheme does not dominate the surroundings, but at the same time becomes a clear accent that attracts the attention of visitors.
The design has primarily a symbolic meaning. It reflects the idea of remembrance and connection to history. The architectural form, which we have thought through in depth, makes the monument work on the imagination, encouraging visitors to interpret historical events in a personal way. The symbolism in the design refers to Jewish tradition, making it close and comprehensible to visitors, like a sea of stones to emphasise the permanence and immutability of the memory of the victims,” explain the architects at Archiworks.
The monument at the Jewish Cemetery is a unique example of contemporary sacred and memorial architecture. Its subtlety, minimalist form and symbolic meaning make it a unique place that both pays homage to the past and invites reflection on the present.
This demonstrates Archiworks’ exceptional versatility in the field of architecture. Its distinguishing feature in the market is its unique approach to space, combining functionality with aesthetics in a harmonious and thoughtful way. Each Archiworks project is the result of attention to detail, creating places that not only inspire action but also affect emotions and meet the highest technical and performance standards.
Archiworks moves seamlessly between large-scale developments and realisations with a symbolic dimension and a high emotional charge. A good example of this is the Monument at the Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw – a project that shows that the studio is equally at home in spaces that demand deep respect as in dynamic, everyday functional spaces.
design: ARCHIWORKS
source: press materials
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