Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial

The community of Annapolis, MD is establishing a memorial to honor the five members of the Capital Gazette newspaper whose office was the target of a mass shooting in June 2018.

Working with stakeholder groups, Moody Graham developed a variety of design concepts aimed at commemorating the lives of the slain journalists. Layered into the memorial were ideas to  encourage visitors to contemplate the importance of a free press in our society and the feeling of loss when that freedom is threatened.

Images by Moody Graham

Conceptual Idea 

Imprints of Life and Loss
The black granite memorial recognizes the life and loss of 5 members of the community. The holes in the fabric are perceptible- they represent our grief and emptiness. The loss leaves imprints- bronze marks in white marble that color
the space and change over time. A new white marble pillar inverts the presentation and creates a space of contemplation. The black granite base supports a celebration of work. The life
of those lost leaves imprints- writings published, words yet to be printed, and memories of lasting influence that can help a community grow.

Existing Conditions 

Existing ramp entrance from Compromise Street 

Existing view from Newman Street

Existing benches in front of ADA ramp

Existing ADA ramp

Site

The tentatively selected site for this memorial is close to Annapolis City Dock, City of Annapolis Downtown Playground, Annapolis Elementary School, and Historic Annapolis Museum.

It should be designed to unite the community, educate people, young and old, able-bodied and with disabilities, with the powerful history and provide a place to come together and act.

Conceptual Ideas - Nine Concepts Presented to the Annapolis Community

Conceptual Idea

Unite
The design aims to unite the community. It educates people with the powerful history and provides a place to come together and act. 

The monument is designed around an oak tree, softening the plaza with its texture and shade. The fountain in the middle creates a relaxing sound of water, which disengage the visitors from noise from the street. The landscape is extended beyond the monument. Newly added trees create a naturalistic,
green backdrop for the memorial and an open space for the community.

The memorial consists of three vertical panels. The first one shows the history of the Capital Gazette and the importance of freedom of press. The middle is dedicated to the ones who lost their lives in the Capital Gazette shooting. The last panel is a chalk board bringing the community together. This will be a place to express, to gather, and to plan community events.

Conceptual Idea

The Shine the Light Memorial
On June 28, 2018, five bright lights of the Capital Gazette and our community were snuffed out by an angry gunman. The Shine the Light Memorial contains five lit pillars that represent the lives and lights that were lost, each one dedicated to one victim. The garden can be entered from the northeast corner of the site.

A large plaque at the entrance memorializes the event and honors the Freedom of the Press. A boardwalk winds through a garden where the memorial pillars can be viewed. There is room at each pillar for individual quiet contemplation. Upon exiting, quotes upholding the value of a free press are inscribed on the existing concrete path.

Composite Concept - Guardians of the Freedom of the Press Memorial

    Elevation 1

   Elevation 2

                                 Elevation 3

Scope of Work

Schemetic Design

Submission

March 2018

Project Stage

In Progress

Location

Annapolis, MD

Press

Round#1 Concept Designs Published on Page A7, Capital Gazette Newspaper, December 21, 2018.

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