Notes on A Memorial for the Lithuanian Spirit - designed by Julia Minkunas
by Stanley Ira Hallet, R.A., F.A.I.A. (March, 1996)
The Catholic University of America - School of Architecture and Planning
It is a remarkable project. Julia is a student of architecture, not yet an
architect, yet already struggling with the problem of "concretizing,"
making concrete the trials and tribulations of her people, the
Lihtuanian people. Her proposal is part memorial, part museum, a
place of exhibit and reminder, but also a place of study, reflection,
meditation, even prayer.
Her project tucked into and under Lukiskiu Square, directly across
from the KGB, formerly the site of Lenin's Monument, it is all about
parts. It is part building and part landscape, part column and part
tree. It is partly above ground, part below. It is all about shade and
shadow, everchanging appearances, one narrative, but many stories.
She slides her complex program into the ground, encouraging the
visitor to first wander through trees, then slip into layers of exhibits
that first recall better days only to continue to fall deeper into the
earth, where the cries of the past citizens can still be heard as a
curtain of steel splits her project in two.
Iron cages, deep shadows, slices of light overhead lead us on until
columns below remind us of trees above and books pour forth never
allowing us to forget.
If realized, her proposal could help heal both site and citizens,
providing garden park and shelter, learning place and sacred space.
It reaches out to cells of torture nearby as well as to spires of
resistance and faith. It is both a lesson in geography as well as
shelter.
It is above all a wedding...holding past triumphs and past
tragedies...leaving room for present grieving and hope for the future.
Whatever is eventually proposed for this very special place at this
very special time, I plead only that it be as thoughtful as Julia's
proposal that now stands before us.