The January 8th Memorial Foundation has selected four finalists out of the 60 practices and artists, both national and international, who submitted applications to create a permanent memorial and master plan concept for the El Presidio Park in Tucson, Arizona. The permanent memorial would commemorate the January 8, 2011, mass shooting that wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killed six people and injured 12 others. The memorial is also intended to honor the spirit of the Tucson community in its responses to the tragedy and to inspire future generations to work together on community issues. The four finalists are:
- Chee Salette Architecture Office (Los Angeles, Bonn, Germany and Tucson)
- HOK (Chicago)
- Ibarra Rosano Design Architects (Tucson, AZ)
- Logan Simpson Designers (Tempe, AZ)
“While there was a list specific criteria, our selection panel’s choices were influenced by each firm’s aesthetic excellence, inventiveness and creativity, and by their ability to create an original memorial within the constraints of the El Presidio Park,” said Karen Christensen, January 8 Memorial Foundation President. “We were seeking a team who would be responsive to our mission as well as designing a multipurpose space for contemplation and conversation, as well as public and civic events, while respecting this historic site.”
Finalists are expected to present their ideas to the public in the Spring of 2015. For more information about the foundation and memorial plans, visit www.tucsonsmemorial.org.
Press release via the January 8th Memorial Foundation.
