Organization The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
unfolds in three axes: the man, the movement and the message.
The man The man Dr. Luther King is represented by a pool
of water. Water is the source of life, movement and change. Whether in an
ocean, river, lake or wellspring, water is the element that brings forth,
nurtures and maintains life.
Movement Movement is an integral part of the memorial. It
takes the form of a bridge connecting between the city and the core of the
memorial. This bridge guides people to move along it, leading them away
from the city and into the memorial. To reach the memorial, the visitor
needs to go through a process, a physical and spiritual journey. The Luther
King bridge of movement virtually connects to two significant architectural
memorials in the city: the Lincoln Memorial to its northwest, and the Jefferson
Memorial to its southeast.
The Message The message constitutes the core of the memorial.
It is designed in the form of a ship along the axis of the church of Atlanta,
Georgia, connecting the library where Martin Luther King's work is deposited
and studied. Visitors promenade along this axis, along the surfaces engraved
with excerpts of Martin Luther King's literary work. The symbolism of the
ship stands for Martin Luther King's message of equality, respect, freedom,
justice and ultimately pluralism.
Organization A linear monument that connects between an historic
city, a message, and a man.
Materials Finishes in the same stone as most of Washington's
monuments are constructed, making this memorial an integral part of the
city.