Is the design appropriate for the African Burial Ground?
Why or why not?
 
What elements would you keep or change?

 
Public comments were submitted by people responding to exhibitions of the five final designs conducted by The National Park Service and the General Services Administration and also through the African Burial Ground web site. The comments were were gathered from September 7 through October 8, 2004.

You may jump to a specific set of responses by selecting from the list below:

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Federal Building, 290 Broadway
Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center, Staten Island
Brooklyn Historical Society
Bronx Community College
Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens
Electronic Responses

 
Responses submitted at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture:

• Yes. Because of the historical and cultural references. Because it is beautiful, simple, dignified, and moving. It makes you think about so many aspects of African History.
• Especially good is the use of water. Also the many trees. And the aim of prayer and reinterment.

• Yes. Made me feel at home.

• Yes. DePace best suits and describes the essence of the memorial burial ground. Excellent piece of art and historic monument.
• Everything portrayed is unique and significant.

• Yes. Very good.
• I would keep all.

• Yes. Seat, light concept are all good things.

• Very nice, but reminds me of a modern park. The trees and walkways are nice, but it says very little about burial.
• Change concept.

• No.
• Too many changes.

• Yes. My only choice.

• Yes.
• Many interesting elements are incorporated; aesthetically interesting design.

• I love this design, it looks like time for reflection.

• Too bland !

• Yes. It shows how NY was before up into the 1990’s.
• I would keep the beautiful mural and night lighting.

• Yes. General landscape and program elements do not address the street well. The shading of the adjacent building will inhibit plant growth.

• Yes. Relates to past, present, and future.

• No. The design has no cultural significance.

• Yes. I prefer this design and my first choice. It utilizes the space available, a concept for lighting is included, a pyramid replica is depicted & is also a symbol of Africa.

• Easy access and visibility.

• This is fabulous! A place to gather, reflect, and involve your soul. When this is complete, I will travel back to this place to experience it.

• No.

• No. It isn’t the sort of place you would stop and reflect. It’s the sort of place you would stop for lunch or get a cigarette. Not respectful.
• Ignore it.

• Well presented! With a place to leave offerings.
• Needs to add written history of times and places.

• Yes. Love the way he designs.

• This should be the one to win!

• Yes.

• Yes. The incorporation of the pyramid in the midst of a modern presentation.
• Would change nothing.

• Yes. It incorporates several elements water, plants, stone, and there are various areas for people to sit and contemplate what we’ve been through.
• Grass on the area of Ring of Remembrance.

• More Illustrative than monumental – weak- poor design – poor illustration.
• Glass mosaic – not permanent enough for me – mosaic works better in subway stations.

• I like the burial site. I think its very Afrocentric and natural. The fencing around the focal point is precision. I hope it wins.
• Like the site as is.

• Very practical
• Change nothing.

• It is well designed, well though out and offers options to choose what way you might show respect. (ie: an area to sit, and area to meditate)


• The trees are essential as are places to sit. The ring of remembrance is excellent!
• I would like to see maybe Adinkra carvings. I would change the pale green fencing areas to a warm brown and also change the grey stones to brown/beige.

• Yes. Because it looks friendly and has scenery.

• Yes. Because it is the best designed African Burial.

• The best! Love it, it has everything needed.
• Add some water! Excellent!

• Yes. Because it appeals to me and has lovely scenery.
• No changes.

• Yes. Mr. Joseph DePace is appropriate to me
• [change] nothing.

• Beautiful.
• Just a little more history—but excellent. History of the people , where they’re from and how they got there. Also details written to tell what and why everything is as is. Well researched. Add original (replica of) Statue of Liberty

• Yes. I like the Sankofa thing & the pyramid
• Keep everything. Place a large replica of Sankofa bird in under the tree cluster near the pyramid.

• Gives a sense of calm, a relaxing atmosphere. A chance to pray or meditate
• Keep all change nothing

• I especially like the use of trees and greenery indicating life & rebirth every spring. Very tasteful. Nice & suitable

• I like it because of he beauty & sereneness of the area. It is conducive to contemplation.

• No. Design too “busy” for such a small space ( It is beautiful!)
• too many bushes and trees. 2. fencing not see through; need good view from street as people pass by. Most people in this vicinity are hurrying to appointments or work

• [why] We shall be together with the ancestors. [why not] too much geometry, not enough human organics!
• [keep] the lighting, the star magnolias, the beautiful trees, [change] the straight lines are too conventional, why not curves?

• this would be very beautiful and I like this model very much—especially I like blue color in this space
• I like flowers on the tree. Especially I like white or pink of colorful flowers on the tree

• Everyone will be able to understand the cause

• I like the symbolism

• Yes it is. It’s vision is clearly articulated. Description catches the spiritual, emotional, and personal essence of the African Americans and peoples of African diaspora.
• [change?] nothing really

• This one is very relaxing and feels like a place I would enjoy
• I love it all

• I think people can be relaxed by water and blue is [a] relaxed, comfortable and calm color.
• I think you don’t need change

• First choice—the long path leading to the wall of souls leading to the next world is appropriate. It has an altar for offerings so visitors can honor their ancestors. The mural reflects the many tribes who were enslaved here. The lighting is a sobering remainder of our ancestors even at nighttime. Outstanding
• No change

• Yes. It has feeling of a village in Africa. There was open space and warmth and serenity.
• I would devote more space to the memorialization of the bodies overturned for the sake of the dollar and honor of those who died in bondage, tom[b]stone [sic], wood clothing, etc. from displaced bodies and spirits.

• Yes. Because I like it

• Yes. The design allows one to interact with this space. A lot of thought went into the lighting of this space
• I would change the design of the mural “Free at Last” for something more inspiring and with words that are poetic. The structure of the basket weave shelter and fence should be a more permanent material such as stone.

• Yes. Since a burial ground is sacred, this one give me that feeling. It’s closed in, it gives you more history
• [change] nothing

• Yes. Evokes feeling of sadness and spiritualism
• Add more African symbolism, remove mural, let benches look like African drums

• No

• Yes. It’s a warm place, it feels like a modern concrete African village, especially the pyramid that provides shade, the blue wall looks like an ocean of knowledge and at night the lights give a surreal ambiance.
• I would keep the forecourt and the spirit house interior (with grass on the ground). I would change the reinterment place. The place of contemplation needs a grand design.

• No. Too modern and people would miss the real reason for building the site

• I would like a replica of the original Statue of Liberty added to the entry way—the one of a freed slave coming out of its shackles—There’s nothing here that reminds of their struggle and pain and that really reminds of their hard pain.

• Absolutely it is the one I am most impressed with

• This spacious, open design seems harmonious and uplifting—almost surreal. The combination of judiciously placed meditation spaces, dramatic night lighting, and aesthetic landscaping are complemented by the educational wall mural, crating a cultural experience that has universal appeal. (First Choice)

• This model is very calm and comfortable for visitors. It is very easy to believe many visitors will come.
• Personally, I think there are a little too much trees. If you would make a little more space instead of trees it would be perfect I think.

• No

• Second Choice

• This is by far the best. It has elegance and power. The references to ancient Egypt and the Blues highlight some of the greatest achievements of African peoples.
• A great deal of thought has obviously gone into this and changes may unbalance it. It’s near perfect.

• Absolutely. It is by far the most beautiful, meaningful, and dignified.

• Too much structure over the art!

• Perhaps. [Why?] Too busy.

• Yes. P.S. I give this 4 stars.
• I would not change anything!

• No, too manicured. Doesn’t resemble African ideals.

• No. A very regular park design.

• It’s pretty, realistic, wall shows history, African symbols
• More African symbols, needs more color, sterile feeling—more flowers

• Yes, but…too much concrete
• Good lighting concept

• Yes. Spacial, simple, elegant. Much preferred over other by wide margin.
• As is.

• No.

• No. it has absolutely nothing to do with the history of “little African” and the “Captive Africans” enslaved and the Survivors.
• Change all!!! Not one skeletal remain is on any of the alleged designs.

• No. It looks over exaggerated with weird grass, places to sit.
• I would make a statue

• No.

• No!! The worst! A mess.
• Get rid of the bad mural.

• Yes. I believe Joseph DePace design is one of the best because it not only presents an idea for the site but also shows and illustrates a spiritual sense of the project with a well thought out lighting scheme.

• No. It doesn’t speak to me.

• [Yes.] Excellent concept for lighting.

• [Yes.]Great Design, simple-racks trees.
• All! [Keep]

• [No] Don’t like the grass. Don’t like it in general.
• Do like the spirit house and lighting concept.

• Maybe. The pyramid remembers the history of Egypt more than slave history.

• Yes. Beautiful by night, always aware of the fact that happened also I love the creation of the rest and peace.

• [Yes] I like the simplicity of this design- trees, plants, rocks-pyramid-Spirit House, “Ring of Remembrance.”

• No. Too much glass which people would break.

• [?]
• Keep the mural idea. Art on the geometric shape.

• No it is not appropriate. He does not leave room for the cemetery. There should be an open space on the burial ground.
• I would get rid of the place of interment and the place of contemplation. Leave that space open. I would keep the glass mosaic mural.

• [no] I find the pyramid some what misplaced or inexplicable…?

• No.

• This design in my opinion is the most appropriate of the five designs being considered. In my opinion sufficient thought and regard were afforded to the remembrance of the sanctity of grounds and the significance of the community in New World history. This thought I feel is reflected in the scale of the design of the project. Kudos to Mr. DePace.
• A dome would add a little something.

• No. Too much Egyptian influence. Where are the other African countries?

• Yes. It is because it shows the designs of our African Ancestors and it sis really nice on top of it.

• [yes] good as long as the “free at last” mural provides written documentation of the history.

• [?]
• Needs more color- seems sterile. Needs more rounded edges- too angular. Tiles will age poorly- maybe stone carvings.

• Yes. Contains the essence of ancient Kamitan Burial Sites. The lighting concept is exceptional.
• The spirit house and place of contemplation adds depth to the design. Once again seating for the elders should be added.

• I like the African Burial Ground site. I really like the glass mosaic mural.
• I would not change any element of the ground site. I like the different areas (forecourt, place of contemplation, etc.)

• Overall design is magnificent; if educational piece is included, I would choose this design.
• To keep: places of contemplation, spirit house and so on. This design promotes spirituality; however educational aspect is limited.

• No, however outstanding. “Open to participation” is not the best type of display for New York City. I can envision what the space would look like in 6-12 months.
• The glass mosaic mural should be incorporated in some aspect of African-American History.

• Yes (I love it). I find it warm and inviting. It says to me sit awhile—go within
• The mural and water must stay

• Shows no sacred space
• Like the glass mosaic mural

• Yes, the design is appropriate. The mosaic is very representative of the African American experience.
• I would keep everything as it is. (i.e. the water at the place of reinterment) The lighting concept that the Burial Ground can be seen at night as well as daytime.

• No change, none

• Yes, there is space and greenery. It allows for meditation. 1st choice.


Responses submitted at the Federal Building, 290 Broadway
 
• Yes, this is one.
• Would not change anything.

• Yes. It shows reverence, peace, and respect. It is also a beautiful design.

• Yes.
• Enclose from the street traffic keep the [sic]

• Yes, my 2nd favorite. I appreciate the use of space with this design, and the way the design not only moves people through the space but also creates an interactions between the visitor and the space.
• I love the landscaping – should be maintained.

• This design has incorporated many of the traditional African cultural, spiritual ideas. If I could add something, I would include a gourd design as many Africans view the world as two gourd halves. The top being spirit domain, lower mans domain.
• I would not have the hanging bottles (not practical). More Gullah than actual African.

• Is visually pleasing [and] gives a prominence to the grounds and cause and is inviting from all directions.

• Yes. Like the Place of Contemplation like the area under the trees; Pyramid effect. Reminds my of the motherland. Like the overall feeling of serenity. This is my first choice.

• Very detailed and peaceful.

• I feel that it offers a great space for anyone to come and feel close to their roots. It is tourist friendly and very spiritual. I love this design.
• It’s perfect to me.

• Good memorial
• None

• Yes. This/his design is all inclusive of all the spiritual effect that the ancestors would be proud of.
• No change. My comment this design should be incorporate with Me. Leon.

• Yes, Plenty of sitting areas to reflect and meditate.
• Pyramids of light and entire lighting concept is very good. The Flowing water pass and the wall of remembrance is very good. [sic] choice of foliage

• Yes, aesthetically appealing and substantive.

• No – but I do like the many venues for seating and I like the walkway.
• Too much change to the naturalness of the landscape.

• Yes.
• I would add a water panel.

• Yes. The running water, the use of juniper, the glass mural – beautiful.

• Yes. My choice, # 1 BEST! Same as Ring of Remembrance. Cypress trees, great lighting, ring of remembrance and covered reflecting area.
• I would add more info about the ancestors somewhere on the site. The mural is fine but not instructive enough about the site (who, what, when, etc.)

• Yes.
• None. [change].

• Yes. Transition from everyday to spiritual realm. Seating, water, place for meditation uses site well.

• No.

• Yes. Spirit House Interior and place of reinterment.
• Keep all.

• Yes. (2nd choice). This design shows a peaceful place to meditate and remember past.

• Too busy. Too much pavement.

• Nope. I love the design, but it appears to be a park.

• I feel we should not have anything on top of the burial ground site. Please go back to the drawing board.

• Don’t like.

• No. Too “busy.” Too much stuffed into a small space. The Place of Contemplation is separated from the “Place of Reinterment” by the mural.
• Ring of Remembrance. There should be more open space for celebrations, etc. Annual Burial Ground ceremony and other significant dates in African American history.

• No.

• Yes. I like the mosaic look and the open space. It seems like a good place to pray and recognize those who came before us.

• Yes (#2 choice). Sacred area; and then other areas of communion, privacy.

• Yes. But not all of it.
• Would keep the pyramid.

• Yes. My choice is Joseph DePace. It’s inspirational and it gives the feeling of peace and remembrance.

• Yes. Most welcoming and unobstructed.

• Maybe. This should compete with the McKissack exhibit.
• Change nothing.

• Too busy.

• Like the sacred/ceremonial space highlighting the reburied remains. Also like the pyramid shape.
• More circular shapes – too angular and more grass, vegetation and natural plantings.
• Okay. Light concept is nice but most people will see structure in daylight.

• Yes. Because it provides us a whole lot of depiction of our experiences and gives us a change to connect with the past so that each of us can mend the future.
• Perhaps show some more of the actual graves maybe by putting the names, or nation for instance “our ancestor came from…”

• The design has the closet, out of all, look to our home “Africa,” which would be a respective look for it.
• I would keep the trees, sitting areas, and natural looks that’ll make the sire more relaxing and spiritual.

• Open space and trees and seats.

• Keep all but add Rodney Leon’s wall of remembrance at the walkway as you come in, and his ancestral libation court where the place of contemplation is.

• Yes. I like the openness of the space.

• My choice. Yes. Because it’s peaceful and restful. Appropriate for all black people to visit and contemplate.
• I wouldn’t change anything.

• The mural is the best element of this design but I didn’t like the fact that visitors are encouraged to walk upon the graves.
• Get rid of the pyramid, it’s a cliché that has little, if anything, to do with 20,000 West Africans buried there. A historical and an easy reach. Which of these firms are black-owned? Are there plans for a museum?

• No. Too busy – too much like a lunch time meeting place.
• Lighting [keep?].

• I like this one (#2) - very active, lights, park atmosphere, and section to pay respects.
• The illumination of the area is a very unique idea.

• No. Too much concrete but do like that there are places to sit.

• No, No, No. Ugly.

• Yes.
• Keep Joseph DePace.

• Yes. I like the design it’s nice and really resembles Africa.
• I would keep the pyramid in the corner.

• (2nd choice) Too Egyptian. Not reflective of my feeling of the Diaspora.

• Yes. Outstanding, very deep.
• It’s great (no change).

• Yes, very much, it’s my favorite. Very positive feeling and vibe.
• Right amount of people space, reverence for the sanctity of the site and real architecture. Keep the mural images-new artist, please.

• No. You need stone in a memorial for a sense of permanency. Trees die or get blown away. Grass not sentimental.
• I would keep the place of contemplation.

• The Ring of Remembrance [like].
• Keep all especially the Pyramid.

• Ring of Remembrance [like]. Too complicated for small area. Too square and angular. Too much concrete. Too urban. Don’t like place of retirement wall being so high and blocking the site of internment area.
• Like pyramid concept on the corner. Like magnolia trees. Too bright lighting concept. Like the entrance way. Like street backset-like fence. Like the water. Like the mural concept. Like the Sankofa, symbol of entranceway. Like altar. Like amount of seating area.

• Perfect. Lighting is great!

• Yes.

• Yes Lots of trees, water, and place to sit. Peaceful and quiet
• None [changed].

• I like this design because it has life and is bright and you can sit and reflect.
• None [changed]

• No. Does not really depict “African” history or cultural background.
• Keep: pyramid design concept.

• Keep: “free at last” glass mosaic mural but add more defined photos.

• Yes. It seems more appropriate. Like lighting, spirit house interior – but we need entire business district, all but the world trade center over.
• Need something to represent that time period.

• This is a winner because it enhances the seven burial vaults and the offerings of gifts and offerings. People friendly, seems comfortable to visit and to teach a class lesson in this park.
• Needs the history of the burial ground so the public knows what they are encountering. History of slavery etc. (like a wall of remembrance – something like in Leon’s model.) I like DePace’s whole model just thinks it needs the wall of remembrance touch from Leon. People who are not familiar with the burial ground was discovered. Tourist, family members, schools bring children on field trips. It’s a beautiful vision. Urban style (DePace). Leon has a good historical vision the two could work through one.

• Much too modern. Looks like the lobby of a stadium.

• Why? The lights and the designs give the Burial Ground a unique appearance at night. The design is noticeable during the day as well. Special effects will remind you of those who came before us. Honor and respect will pr from the hearts of each Afro-American.
• Keep the lighting.

• Yes. Like the visitor area for decedents, ability to walk down, inside, close to earth’s elements. Shade to stand or sit in, (trees-fence-like covering), like “burial spirit house”
• I like the mosaic idea, but would like it to be more bold-not so busy, tiny, and detailed. Maybe a portion of it blown up large. I like the assortment of trees and plants.

• Yes. Good design. Low maintenance – therefore will stay intact. The conceptual theme will be easily maintained.
• The burial grounds may be somewhat more difficult to maintain over time. The lighting concept is good.

• No. Too modern with no spiritual value.
• Everything [change?]

• No. Not WFC. This is a burial ground, leave it as such.
• No profiling from our last.

• If I had to build and design with no changes, this would be it. Inside it is open with good clean lines. The only one that has space for a little privacy. The layout and design elements are excellent.
• There is much too much fence. It would be more inviting and accessible if it could be green. The color is O.K., but not as beautiful as “Groundworks” and it could be. It is too difficult to figure out who did what design. Use some signs!! And match the designs with the survey, please.

• Like it but seems similar to others. Like the spirit house aspect and water.

• Yes. The design is multifaceted. I like the wall mosaic art works, the sitting area for meditation, the water fall and the praying area. Most of all the beautiful flowers and trees will surely add to the beautiful surroundings. This one is my favorite.
• I wouldn’t change anything. However, you might want to consider a nice looking trash-disposal bin in the outside.

• Yes. Its complex design takes in the spirit of those buried. It is a place that has the spirit of the past and the spirit of the present.

• This is the best design- it is open and inviting, very aesthetically pleasing.

• No. Too busy.

• Yes it is. The trees, prayer area, sitting area are good and allow for visitor contemplation and meditation.
• It needs more symbols like Adinka symbols. It also needs a different artist to do the timeline wall. I like the idea of a timeline but the artwork is ugly.

• [Yes]. The concept is more peaceful.

• Yes. Probably the best suited for public display, although it lacks the “Memorial” qualities of the Leon design.

• The best part of the design in terms of organic settings. Closer to one, everyone can feel proud of.
• It needs more trees and significant African looking material that reflect the African culture and its people.

• It’s okay and fulfills the objective of providing serene environment to reflect. I like the natural earthy theme.
• I like the pictures reflecting the evolution of African Americans over time from 1626 ‘til now. I also like the ring of remembrance.

• Excellent site for burial site, protected [from] environment.

• Maybe. Do not like the lattice work long the place of contemplation and the mosaic.

• [Honors] all those who were stolen. [Like] memorial wall & ancestral chamber.

• [Yes]. Because it represents better of the hardship and triumphs.

• Yes, but its kind of cold feeling. I like it least f all seems more like a corporate building lunch-park than a memorial.
• While less bus stop-like, the fence is still jarring. The lighting design is the nicest part, but the least visible element to visitors by day.

• No. This design looks more like a park than a burial ground.
• Too perfect! [change].

• Yes. It was well planned out.
• I would keep all the elements.

• I think it is too linear and original. African spirituality is circular.
• I would keep the pyramid/ Spirit House!! I like the choice of flowers. Keep the lighting concept.

• This is the best one by far.
• Nothing, but adding a few symbols like Rodney Leon has.

• Yes. Great presentation and captures the element perfectly.
• [Change] Nothing.

• Yes.
• The pyramid and spirit corner, place of reinterment, spirit house, and place of contemplation [keep].

• Yes.
• I would make the plan circular for connectedness and maintain the plan.

• Yes. It offers a variety of scenery and accommodation, which should fit/address desires of most of all who visit. This selection is my personal favorite. Also, it seems handicap-friendly.
• Maybe add overhead shelter/enclosure on at least one part-recommend “place of reinterment,” so visitors may be sheltered and warm during colder and wet seasons. Enclosure might match current stone and be well lit at night.

• Yes. I think it depicts the burials of my ancestors.
• I would like it to be more history of the burial grounds, nothing should be changed.

• Yes!! Pick this one. It provides a solemn area to honor the dead (the marking of crypts and oyster shell area), a place to think of and celebrate those who came after them (the glass mural area), water (very important-it brought us here, for example), and a place for the communion of past and present (spirit house and ring of remembrance)
• [Change] Not a thing!

• Not spiritual enough.

• The layout is excellent. However the history is omitted. The layout will facilitate other events in the future (i.e.: African American celebrations, Kwanza, etc).
• Add the history wall from Rodney Leon’s to the entranceway.

• Yes. Definitely most appropriate design.

• Yes. Appropriate use of trees and greenery to indicate burial ground. Good place of reinterment for prayer.
• Crushed oyster shells, another medium more appropriate to burial site. (i.e. torch, water)

• Yes, It’s reflective.
• Keep garden and mural

• Yes, because there is a lot of greenery, shade, benches and there is a lot of space.
• I would not change anything

• Yes, I love the flowers, Spirit House Corner, our vision, the trees, lighting concept, the “Free at Last”
• Keep everything

• No—too touristy
• The pyramid shaped “Spirit House” reminds me of oppression, slavery and the NWO’s [New World Order?] grip on the world—Drop it!

• Yes—Reflection of times past and present. Time to reflect; open to all no matter what race

• This appropriate in terms of the solitude of the design. It’s open and comforting
• I do hope the lighting will not be on top of the burial ground

• I did not choose this one because it reminded me of the plans for the World Trade Center shown on TV—too vague
• More information and information on African culture

• Yes

• I like this design best
• All elements I would keep

• No. Beautiful design—for an urban park where office workers sit at lunch time and munch and leave trash behind. Too much concrete/too busy/overly designed lights-camera-action feel—a set

• I think the Joseph DePace would be best for the African Burial Ground. It expresses the vision for all people.
• I would not change anything

• No. Too much like other spaces in Manhattan; this needs to have a unique look.

• Yes.

• Yes—provides tranquility, beauty an open dimension befitting a memorial space. Seating gives way to prayer and meditation. I love the pyramid and surrounding wall. This is my favorite.
• I love it as it is.

• In Mr. Pace design, he seems to have gotten lost along the way with combining the Pyramids with a New York City Park.

• The elements do reflect an attempt to respect the experiences of those who are buried here, as wall as those who need to visit.
• I would keep the openness. Burials for Africans happened under open sky. This needs to be preserved.

• Yes, it gives you a chance to sit and be one with our ancestors, it has the most sacrificial elements.
• The mural, it is too commercial.

• Yes. Because it has plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the serenity of the site and reflect on the purpose of this site.
• I think that instead of the mural, there could be something more spiritual and ethnic.

• Yes. Its design is centered around future prayer vigils. It’s a good idea to have a place set up to specifically accommodate the prayer vigils and other events’
• I would defiantly keep the “place of contemplation” and the mural.

• This most (SIC) obliterates and sense that this is a burial ground with a little inappropriate claptrap and a paving over of a cemetery. It is truly repugnant. The design here clearly is in the tradition of office park lunch hour utilization.
• The major improvement to this design is the addition of trees. One feels an enormous disrespect in this design the constitution would clearly be a violation of the hallowed ground.

• Yes. It is totally aesthetic and by itself great.
• Possibly more lighting.

• Good, or I should say is, it is the best 1

• Not. Too much, overpowering the mood, doesn’t leave a human element
• Water for the libations

• Very appropriate (my 2nd favorite). Of all, works best with surroundings—while having many excellent memorial features.
• Probably the only change I would make is to add more greenery

• No. It looks like a park with benches
• [change] the entire design

• Yes. Inclusion of spiritual elements and symbolic choice of planted trees
• Glass mosaic—doesn’t excite me as it is presented

• [DePace and Leon designs] Fusion of the two!!!

• Yes, It shows a spiritual setting
• Keep

• No, not that great
• Fence is too dense, access is forbidden

• No. Nice looking generic park for lunch-hour office workers but, despite the wordy “explanation” about spirit house, ring of remembrance, etc., the design ignores the fact that it’s supposed to be an African memorial to dead people.

• Yes, because it recognized the Burial Ground

• Yes. I love the mural, waterfall, places to sit down, and arrangement of the trees. It looks peaceful, serene and respectful of both the dead and living

• Yes. It’s okay in that it incorporates a sense of stillness and reflection, but it’s not the best design.
• I would not incorporate the pyramid into the design of the outer wall.

• No. Too new—too “Japanese,” not enough earth and green

• Yes, [it] has meaning
• I like having a larger area for gatherings

• Yes
• Keep all

• Yes

• Not good

• My favorite design is the Ring of Remembrance

• Yes. However more consideration of public events should be consulted in terms of providing adequate space. GOOD DESIGN!!
• Reduce the lower place of contemplation for a bigger Ring of Remembrance. Might be needed for scheduled events.

• Of course not. Truly awful—paves over a cemetery
• Keep trees, send rest to junkyard

• Well thought-out. Design elements too controlled/too contrived! Best use of overall space: multiple groups’ use possible here
• The pyramid is too illuminati! Delete; seating for contemplation is fairly adequate—keep

• Too formal—too many visual references. They seem contemporary with our time.

• It seems designed for minimal maintenance and longevity. The design is simple and “classic” so that it may be appealing decades from now. It is also inviting. I am only concerned that the site may be used as a park through this design than a “holy” site that has a monument erected to remember the dead.
• I would have liked to have seen an expression of the connection between the people who were enslaved and buried there and the African continent.

• Like simplicity of inner plan—the exterior walls are a barrier to the people who should be welcomed to the space.


Responses submitted at Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center,
Staten Island:
 
• Great idea, but a horror from a maintenance/vandalism point of view
• [keep] the pictographical timeline

• A beautiful work of art and a tribute of African-Americans
• [change] none

• No. Too many images on wall. Not a unique design. Looks like a park

• Too fragile, too many items for vandalism [5th place]

• It is uplifting, yet leaves appropriate space for contemplation
• I would keep it all

• Yes. have reservations about the amount of glass and the prospect of vandalism—guarded 24-7?
• The light element is an attention grabber

• Design is not appropriate
• [keep] none

• Yes, uses whole space, could fit lots of people
• [keep] mural, [change] all the lights, waste of electricity

• No, looks more like a memorial to the Egyptians than Africans

• Yes

• Yes, peaceful, elegant
• The mural is very appealing, Spirit House and forecourt are lovely


Responses submitted at Brooklyn Historical Society:
 
• O.K.
• The glass mosaic mural is not clear or well defined

• Too linear for a culture that honors the circle!

• No. This plan contains a number of important symbolic features, but does not portray a unifying theme within the landscape
• The water along the path is good—I appreciated its correlation to the Middle Passage

• Did not seem warm—too many hard lines. Uninviting. Not reflective of Africans of Africa.
• [keep] the Spirit House corner

• Yes.
• I like it the way it is—no changes

• Yes. I like the linkage of birth to afterlife and descendents

• No, too larger, very cold looking
• [keep] none

• OK

• Too modern and severe looking
• Keep glass mosaic mural and special plants

• Yes. The mural and the design elements
• Open area is good. There should be more areas to sit for contemplation

• Yes, because it is simple, practical and full of information (mural gives us all the memories and transfer us in the atmosphere.
• Add one exit around the place of contemplation, chairs, set of lights is a very good idea.

• Seems like too much is going on in this one—doesn’t let the sacredness of the space itself come thru.

• Yes. It’s the most inviting and welcoming—aesthetically and structurally. The lighting concept is phenomenal
• Keep all elements

• Best choice. I don’t like the pyramid—associated with East Africa, not West Africa, where the slaves in America were from.
• Would [want] a symbol relating to West Africa.

• I think so. It has a quiet dignity befitting of the ancestors. My choice would be “The Ring of Remembrance.” My concern is that the space may not be available to enact the entire design. It should not be crowded.
• I would keep all of them, especially, “Free at Last” the glass mosaic mural.

• Yes. It shows the way that Africa has in the development of America.

• No. It looks more like back to the future and a memorial
• [change] all of it. Artistic work is poor

• No, it is too stark and does not feel a cultural connection
• Possible lower ramp towards visual imagery (time line)

• No. too modern, no warmth, no feeling of connection with the motherland (Africa)

• Mr. DePace’s exhibit was not displayed. I did not see it at the Historical Society. [???]

• Yes. I was deeply moved by the total design including the structure of the interior house and the concept of using the sloping path which gives the viewer a sense of entering the sacred burial ground in a spiritual point.

• No.

• No. Too simple
• No lighting

• No—too ‘spiritual’ design keeps people out—or maybe that is to achieve a ‘church’ feeling?

• [yes] Because it takes my breath away.
• As is

• This is my first choice; I appreciate the research which was done to justify all aspects of the design. Looks very inviting to reflect and encourage people to learn more…


Responses submitted at Bronx Community College:
 
• Almost imposing

• No

• Yes, It looks like a place where one could go and not only remember his or her lost ancestors, but also have a peaceful ambiance.
• I’d keep all

• Good as multidisciplinary group and libations idea is good. All plants are good idea if maintained. Nile pyramid is not West Africa. Don’t need sun-bleached whiteness. Willie Birch’s art does not appeal to me—Let’s leave personal artistry out.


Responses submitted at Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center, Queens:

• Yes. The mural in blue and the lighting around the ring of remembrance.
• The pyramids wall should be placed somewhere else because it blocks the passerby from looking in.

• Very nice. The spiritual concept in the shape of a pyramid is very attractive. As well as the night time lighting scheme and proposed vegetation
• more restricted access to actual burial site just for the sake of long term preservation

• Yes
• keep the wall of remembrance place of contemplation

• Yes. Spiritual. Accessible. Open. All-age appropriate. Inviting.
• I like it as is.

• No. The wall outside blocks the peoples view of what to see inside
• Have glass windows in the wall so people can see and a wall or plaque telling about the burial ground. Pictures are fine, but written history is necessary also.

• Yes. First choice.
• It is a sacred site and a living memorial for community. Its design is different and takes into consideration many elements. It is also a spiritual site of connecting.

• It had some thought of relevance’s but what is it with America associating Africa with pyramids
• I would change the pyramid of spirit house corner.

• No. Because of the pyramid and wall around it. You would not be able to tell from the outside what it is.
• I would keep the blue mural, ring of remembrance, and place of reinterment. Also the small river.

• Yes. It brings comfort in mind where we can reflect our feelings
• I would keep the free at last glass mosaic mural & lighting concept

• I like the wall concept & its presentation of past, present and inspiration for the future.

• My 2nd choice. It has too much building & stone (floor). Too far away from land and landscaping and soil. To me the land represents what these African people came from and died for- after all at that time Manhattan was farm land. I love the mural and its history.
• Perhaps if there was more landscaping/grass. Too commercial/industrialized. Lacks the feeling of land. Does not feel free—feels like imprisoned (Africans) with brick & cement. Need freedom.


Electronic Responses:
 
• No. Don’t like it. It does not feel appropriate. The message is a bit removed. It almost appears to be a mixed Asian design.

• No. I feel this display is very plain, and I want something that can be toured and remembered for generations to see.
• I love the idea of the Souls and the Free at Last mosaic wall.

• No. I did not feel like it connected to the purpose, it seemed almost unrelated to the people that are buried there.
• I wouldn’t keep any of it, it just didn’t seem right to me.

• No. The design is not expressive enough. This design would not hold the interest of the next generation. Therefore the purpose of the memorial would not be served.