Inspired by the community’s deep connection to country music and the stunning scenery of Las Vegas, Nevada, a commemorative proposal aims to navigate and convey the wide range of emotions associated with the tragic 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas and its consequences.
The proposal for the monument to be called “A Ribbon in the Sand” by Aaron Neubert Architects and studioSTIGSGAARD borrows from natural elements, including the Colorado River winding its way through the Mojave Desert, the elegant contours of ‘a guitar, the rugged shape of a cactus, and the ancient fossil beds of Tule Springs. The memorial site emerges from the landscape as a powerful symbol of unity, it aims to honor the victims, survivors, first responders and the community affected by the tragedy that took place on the occasion and site of the Route country music festival 91 Harvest. .
The enclosure will serve as a physical and symbolic boundary, separating the sacred grounds of memory from the bustling urban environment.
Through the seamless integration of stillness and movement, natural elements and architectural form, light and shadow, and the interplay of sound and silence, the design aims to capture three significant moments in an individual’s healing journey and a community within a continuous tape of time. This concept focuses on providing a poetic and immersive experience for visitors, fostering a deep sense of connection, comfort and hope.
Other collaborators on the project are the landscape designer, Agency Artifact; exhibition designer, Gallagher & Assoc.; lighting designer, L’Observatoire International; structural engineer, NOUS; civil engineer, Labib Funk + Associates; MEP engineer, ALFA Tech; and acoustics consultant, Chu & Dohn Assoc.
