Dowling Memorial Garden
RDG Planning & Design
Recognitions:
AIA Iowa 2023 Craft Awards
Project Description
The memorial garden is conceived as a commemorative space adjacent to the high school campus chapel. The sculptural forms create a threshold and define the memorial space in relationship to the processional axis of the chapel. The entrance threshold is oriented perpendicular to the setting sun on All Souls Day. The Memorial Garden and sculptural elements connect both the physical and spiritual and mark the arrival to the heart of campus creating a place capable of bearing the weight of mystery.
The sculptural elements are crafted of weathering steel and compliment the chapel in color and integrity of materials. The forms create a processional threshold experience expressing the importance of faith and community – the living and the departed - as one. The memorial garden is a place for an awareness of faith, a qualitative space where individuals are memorialized through a programing experience for small group and individual contemplation.