this memorial in mexico only permits sunlight to pass through on the date of earthquake

to memorialize the date of two earthquakes — september, 19 of 1985 and 2017 — mexico city-based practice espacio cero proposes to build a monument in the epicenter of the latest one. by inserting a perfect circle into a quiet, wild place, the architects introduce a special experience of heaviness and disturbance into a constantly changing natural environment.

the proposed installation is a cylinder made of concrete slabs supporting a giant rock resting on the top. the circular hole perforating through the rock is cut with such an angle, that the sunlight only lights up the interior of the memorial once a year — on the date of the earthquakes. thus, the sun creates a spotlight around the ball marking the starting point of the disaster.

‘situating the platonic form supporting a big perforated rock where sun rays enter only once a year, the space inside becomes a reflection of the dialectics of culture and nature,’ explains espacio cero team. ‘a reflection of time, of change, of us.’

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom