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This underground and preexisting residual space, product of construction of Loire embankments (18, 19, 20 centuries) has been transformed into memorial space. Glass includes abolitionist texts.
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Loire embankment in the center of Nantes, previously used as parking, has been transformed into public space. Glass emerges from underground to the surface of the city.
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in order to adapt pre-existing residual space and protect the memorial space from daily tides of the Loire, the engineering of a complex cuvelage was required. (before/after)
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The monument celebrates the great rupture of abolition with the thrust of a slanted Glass plate, on which selected abolitionist texts can be found.
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By shedding light over difficult pasts and presents, this working memorial and public space, hopes to become an agent for transformative action, human rights activism, and civic engagement.
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The dimensions of present-day struggles against all forms of slavery, slave trade and human trafficking are exposed and discussed within a space which opens to the Palais de Justice.
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The Memorial transforms 350 metres of the coast of the Loire / The underground residual space has been transformed into a 150-metres long memorial passage that can be accessed on both ends
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Sections through different conditions (19th century wall, opening to Loire, Stair) present design principles of the project: exposure and immersion, which create a layered experience in public space.
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
Wodiczko+Bonder, Agence Roulleau Architectes, Arcadis. Nantes, France
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Name of work in English
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
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Name of work in original language
Mémorial de l Abolition de lEsclavage
Prize year
EUmies Awards 2013
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Work Location
Nantes, France
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Studio
Wodiczko+Bonder, Agence Roulleau Architectes, Arcadis
EUmies Awards 2013 Shortlisted
Collaborators
Program
Culture
Completion
2012
A Memorial s historic destiny is to preserve the memory of the past and provide conditions for new responses. As the premier slave trading port in France (46% of all 4000 French Slave Trading Expeditions), Nantes has decided to uncover, unearth and confront its own difficult past. This Memorial &a metaphorical evocation of the struggle for the abolition of slavery, above all historic, but which still continues into the present transforms 350 meters of Loire riverfront, and adapts a preexisting underground residual space, product of the construction of the Loire embankments and port during the XVIII, XIX, and XX Centuries, which demanded the construction of a complex protection against the Loire's daily tides. This Working Memorial (8500m2) sheds light over pasts and presents by providing space and means for remembering slavery and the slave trade; commemorating the abolitionist struggle; celebrating the historic act of abolition; and for bringing the visitor closer to the continuing struggle against presentday forms of slavery. As an ethico/political, urban, artistic, landscape and architectural project, this new Public Space hopes to become an agent and catalyst for action, activism and engagement. Jean Marc Ayrault (former Maire/current French Prime Minister): 'By raising the memorial on the banks of the Loire, in the heart of the city, from where many slave trade expeditions departed, and giving it the shape of a monumental artistic and urban gesture, we recall that the struggle for freedom and dignity of every human being is a fundamental cause that engages our idea of society. This memorial, which is unique in its scale in Europe, is a message from all the people in Nantes . . . and hopes to become a living place for collective commitment to the memory of the past and to continue our struggle for recognition and promotion of human rights."