Fallen Firemen Memorial

INTRODUCTION On the Kornati National Park biggest island the greatest tragedy in history of Croatian fire fighting took place on 30th August 2007. On rocky landscape, almost without vegetation, in undisclosed circumstances, a blaze swallowed lives of twelve young firemen. LOCATION On Kornati islands original forests were brought down in order to allow cattle breeding and olive growing, turning this green archipelago into moon landscape. Ownership dividing, control of cattle movement and protection of olive groves were not possible without stone partition walls. A 'stone cadastre' was so created, abstract dry stone grid of impressive proportions and seemingly enigmatic purposefulness. PREMISE Memorial programme had to be realized without using any foreign materials or procedures in the protected area, relying on authentic materials and tools. Land art that in the design process and use of materials found in situ represented that procedure by which in that extraordinary Kornati landscape a memorial was realized without causing any conflicts. MEMORIAL PARK Memorial area was created on the very site of tragedy. Dry stone crossesŽ signs were built on the place of every fireman's death Crosses of megalithic dimensions connect those dispersed tragedy places into coherent memorial area. By their imposing size they communicate in large panoramic views of archipelago land and sea area. SIGN A sign of cross is shaped in dry stone walls of approximately 1,20m height and 0,60m width. Cross vertical is 25,00m long, horizontal 15,45m (golden section). Crosses are laid transversally onto the contours, in rule coinciding with geological strata. Average terrain slope of 25% results in 10,00m height increase. Site morphology by increasing crossesŽ height makes them so visible from afar. SIGN PERSONALIZATION All crosses have same dimensions and shape but individual site morphological characteristics result in signsŽ variations. Further sign personalization consists in inscribing victim name on the most visible stone. Besides the name, messages, Bible citations or verses chosen by family and friends are also inscribed on in-built stones. Contrary to artistic determinism each personalized sign is so left open for content wise, intimate and symbolic individualization,

COMMEMORATIVE SCENARIO Memorial area entrance is shaped in form of open, 15,45 m diameter round chapel of St. Florian, firemenŽ patron saint. A memorial dedication is inscribed onto the stone wall, identical to that of crosses. The chapel middle is meant for wreaths, candles and prayers. PARTICIPATION Kornati tragedy created in Croatian society a trauma caused by feeling of helplessness and collective guilt. Already in the competition concept the intention to build this memorial by volunteersŽparticipation and without mechanization was stressed.

The building process project was so raised above authority of technical project enabling emotional and creative interaction of participants and the author. With bare hands 3ooo volunteers from all over Croatia in exceptionally difficult and quite dangerous effort, learning from local experts forgotten skill of dry stone construction, 'built' themselves into the memorial, becoming its mental substance. They are witnesses and participants of an act of social repentance which created a feeling of cathartic redemption becoming ever more part of people's memory. site area 4,85 ha