‘unity and freedom memorial ‘

the ‘unity and freedom memorial’ project by rafaa architecture & design is a key reminder of the historic uprising against the totalitarian regime of the socialist unity party of germany (SED) in 1989. in the many cities of the GDR, people were demonstrating for freedom and unity. the moral courage of individuals was the initial point of a movement that started with peaceful rallies and ended the division of germany. the chant ‘we are the people!’ became a crucial event important for the whole of europe.

rafaa architects & design was interested in discovering the complex factors and hidden processes that led to the capitulation of the state before its people. the citizens of germany were asked to propose a chair that ‘witnessed’ an important moment in germany’s history. all kinds of different chairs from different eras and places represent the collective memory; at the same time, the people become the co-author of the artwork.

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorial

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorialdetail

the memorial can be touched, used or climbed on, but it cannot be knocked over! the chairs are interconnected subterraneously by invisible ropes. as soon as someone tries to knock over a chair, it is held up by the others; if one gets knocked over, another one is uplifted. it is a system that receives its strength and stability from below, from the collective, from the community.

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorial

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorial

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorialdetail

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorial

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorial detail

rafaa architect and design: unity and freedom memorialaerial view of ‘unity and freedom memorial ‘