Valour Park – Afghanistan Victoria Cross Memorial

LOCATION
Remembrance Driveway ACT
CLIENT
Remembrance Driveway Committee, NSW RMS
DETAILS
Design competition
valour park design competition cm+

The Victoria Cross honours Australian Military personnel who stand out for their service, valour and devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. This design for an Afghanistan Victoria Cross Memorial to be located on Remembrance Drive in the ACT, was shortlisted to the final three entries in an open competition.

Sitting on the earth within a clearing in the bush, the memorial design consists of a walled form made from weathering steel (also known as CORTEN steel). It is angular and features a chaotic play of folded plates from which a silhouette of the Victoria Cross emerges, immersing the viewer in a singular moment of clarity.

The Memorial design is arranged to reward exploration, sitting as a part of the earth, within a clearing in the bush, like many remnants of war, with nature slowly enveloping and transforming the memory.

It is an unequivocal and significant space to honour the contributions of the Victoria Cross recipients who served in the War in Afghanistan – envisioned as a powerful reminder of their hardships, a testament to their bravery and an inspiration to rise to be the best we can be.