Commemorating History: Bologna Shoah Memorial by SET Architects

The Bologna Shoah Memorial, designed by SET Architects and completed in January 2016, stands as a poignant reminder of the Holocaust. Winner of an international competition overseen by Peter Eisenman, the Memorial was constructed in less than two months to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Design and Concept

Situated at the intersection of Via dé Carracci and Ponte Matteotti in Bologna, the Memorial comprises two cor-ten steel blocks, each measuring 10x10m. Positioned perpendicular to the existing square walls, the blocks create a narrow path that symbolizes oppression and invites reflection. Inside, a grid of horizontal and vertical metal sheets forms rectangular empty boxes representing the dormitories in concentration camps. The exterior façade, resembling a blank page, hints at the untold history, while steel protrusions along the cells symbolize contemporary awareness.

Symbolism and Materiality

Cor-ten steel, chosen for its natural rusting properties, represents the passage of time and the rich history behind every element. The path between the blocks, paved with basalt stone chippings, evokes the Judenrampe, the route taken by prisoners at Auschwitz. The Memorial’s design, with its echoes of footsteps and restricted passage, aims to evoke a sense of anguish and remembrance.

Illumination and Atmosphere

Lighting plays a crucial role in the Memorial’s ambiance. In the daytime, natural light creates a contemplative atmosphere, while artificial light at night highlights the monument’s majesty. Through its design and lighting, the Memorial transcends rhetorical conventions, emphasizing the importance of emotions in conveying the weight of history.

In summary, the Bologna Shoah Memorial serves as a powerful testament to the past, engaging present sensibilities to narrate the enduring legacy of the Holocaust.