Camille Moulard
student
Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava
France
Architecture
The concept of my project is to create a space where everyone can learn, understand and be a part of the history. I wanted to make this space back into its… more
Your project’s connection to the river is strong, but the interpretation of Schindler’s history feels overly idealized. A path lined with beautiful trees risks romanticizing the escape—a harrowing journey marked by struggle, not serenity. Consider incorporating raw, obstructive elements (desert, rocks) early in the route, saving the garden as a symbolic "heaven" only at the end. This contrast would better honor the survivors’ pain and resilience while preserving your red thread’s poetic intent.
Here’s a focused suggestion to strengthen your proposal while keeping its core vision but adding historical depth and emotional impact:
Key Improvement:
Contrast Struggle with Hope
Instead of a uniformly serene path, structure the journey in three symbolic phases to mirror the survivors’ experience:
1. Obstruction (Pain/Memory)
- Start with harsh, uneven terrain—crushed stone, narrow passages, or stark industrial remnants (echoing ghettos/factories).
- Use fragmented walls with archival traces (names, documents) to force confrontation with history.
2. Transition (Movement/Escape)
- Introduce the river as a pivotal, restless element—bridges with uneven footing, sounds of rushing water (symbolizing danger and urgency).
- Lean into the red thread as a fragile "lifeline" guiding visitors through.
3. Arrival (Memory/Peace)
- The final garden, with its 1,200 trees, becomes a meditative space—now earned, not given.
- Add subtle names/light markers among the greenery to personalize remembrance.
Why This Works:
- “Deeper Narrative:” Aligns with Seya’s call for emotional truth—beauty feels earned after struggle.
- “Symbolic Power:” The river shifts from a passive link to an active historical actor.
- “Visitor Engagement:” Physical and emotional tension make the conclusion more impactful.
“Keep:” Your red thread and glass/openness concept (they’re strong!), but let them guide visitors through *all* layers of the story.
For funding/applications, frame this as a "journey of memory" where the landscape itself educates. Metrics like visitor dwell-time in each phase could even become part of your evaluation.
thank you,
budi pradono