We cannot remain detached from the history of Camp Joffre through a discourse that is indifferent to the human drama that unfolded on this very site. The memorial is silent and ponderous. It is there to take the hits instead of others. For absentees. It must be something that embodies the responsibility of the memory. 

© M. Hédelin / Région Languedoc-Roussillon

Architects: Rudy Ricciotti, Passelac & Roques

Location: 66600 Rivesaltes, France

Area: 4000.0 m2

Project Year: 2015

Photographs: M. Hédelin / Région Languedoc-Roussillon, Kevin Dolmaire

© Kevin Dolmaire

From the architect. We cannot remain detached from the history of Camp Joffre through a discourse that is indifferent to the human drama that unfolded on this very site. The memorial is silent and ponderous. It is there to take the hits instead of others. For absentees. It must be something that embodies the responsibility of the memory. 
© Kevin Dolmaire

Plan

© Kevin Dolmaire

This memorial lies in the earth, squarely facing block F, with a calm and silent determination, untouchable, angled towards the sky. At once buried in, and emerging from the earth, the memorial appears on the surface of the natural landscape as one enters the camp, and stretches to the eastern extremity of the former meeting place, to a height that is level with the roofs of the existing bunkhouses. This arrangeme...