In Memoriam 22/2/11

On Sunday, the fourth anniversary of the events of 22/2/11 in Christchurch will be remembered. Quite by chance, we met a guy yesterday who had been mere yards from us shortly before 1:00pm that day. We exchanged recollections.

From The Press.co.nz , six shortlisted designs for the multi-million dollar Canterbury Earthquake Memorial were unveiled on Tuesday by ER Minister Nicky Wagner.

1. Memorial Wall with a reflective pond  --  This design is a long curving white "ribbon" wall of different heights and sizes. There are various "rooms" through the wall with the names of earthquake victims placed in lit alcoves in the wall. It includes a reflection pond.

2. Table and Chairs  --- A bronzed 55m x 60cm table and 185 chairs would be fixed on the site. Some of the chairs people could sit on, others would structurally support the table. Names would be embossed on a steel ribbon suspended above the table. The idea was based on the 185 empty white chairs memorial to the earthquake victims, which is opposite the site of the Canterbury Television building. 

3. A Green and Peaceful Landscape --- This involves a spiral path with a chestnut tree in the middle. At the centre of the spiral is a shallow pool with the names underneath the water. The design includes a bridge across the Avon River. 

4. Call and Response  ---  A sonic field of memory incorporating sound and engraved stone walls. This design includes a bridge and concave mirrors that reflect sound. Recordings, such as birdsong, would play. Victims names would be placed in alcoves. There would be a grove of Kowhai trees, which flower in February. 

5. Riverside Promenade   --- A remembrance wall on the Oxford Terrace side of the river with a row of cherry trees to honour the Japanese nationals who died in the quake. Pieces of historic facades from buildings would be incorporated in the promenade. 

6. A Curved and Inclusive Memorial Wall ---   Formerly known as the "Veil of Tears", this design forms a place of contemplation. Water would flow along the top and face of the curved wall over victims' names carved from greenstone. Stone terraces and an oval lawn could accommodate large numbers for civic events.

In a public opinion poll, I think I would vote for  the wall of remembrance, although the 185 empty chairs at the CTV building certainly sends a stronger message.