monument honoring COVID-19 victims to be built along coast of uruguay

a somber memorial to those victims taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, a monument envisioned by uruguay-based architect gómez platero reaches outward to the horizon. entitled ‘world memorial to the pandemic,’ the project is to become the world’s first large-scale memorial to honor victims of the novel virus. while designed with a love for humanity, the work symbolizes a respect for sublime nature, reminding visitors of our place in the world, and the great sense of fragility and helplessness the pandemic had introduced.

all images © gómez platero

gómez platero’s monument to the victims of COVID-19 encourages introspection and reflection while, in turn, emphasizing unity and togetherness. the ‘world memorial to the pandemic’ is proposed to occupy a wild and untamed site along uruguay’s coastline. with the harsh conditions of the landscape, the project will be accessible only by a long walkway which draws the visitor gradually away from the sounds and sights of urban life until they are fully immersed in the presence of nature. toward the center of the platform, an open void looks downward into the roaring waters, encouraging the viewer to observe nature in its purest state, and to then reflect on humanity’s own fragility.

the design team at gómez platero proposes its COVID-19 monument in uruguay to weather the passage of time as well as changes in terrain and water level. the main platform and coating of the lower external face will be made from corten steel while concrete will finish the concave internal surface. measuring 40 meters (130 feet) in diameter, with an open center that is 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter, the memorial can welcome up to 300 visitors at a time — while obeying current social distancing guidelines — allowing for moments of shared grief and solidarity in addition to solitude.

the team at gómez platero is currently holding discussions with the government of uruguay to choose a specific site for its COVID-19 monument. the site must allow for the least environmental impact with the most benefit to the community at large. the firm estimates that, once started, construction of ‘world memorial to the pandemic’ will take six months to complete.