The ICRC’s physical memorials are sites around the world where staff members, families, friends and visitors can come together in a spirit of openness and inclusiveness. These memorials pay tribute to our colleagues for the vital work they did in providing humanitarian protection and assistance to victims of war and other violence. They are places of memory, hope, shared grief and inspiration, designed to both reflect and preserve the ICRC’s unity in challenging times.
There are two memorials in Geneva: the Garden of Remembrance at the ICRC’s headquarters on Avenue de la Paix; and the Memorial Fountain at our logistics hub in Satigny.
The Garden of Remembrance and its commemorative plaque were inaugurated in May 1998 following two devastating attacks on our staff in late 1996. It is a place for commemoration and quiet contemplation. It is where headquarters staff mark the ICRC’s annual Day of Remembrance. The garden honours all those who died while on assignment and recognizes the humanitarian ideal that inspired them. An expanded memorial garden is under development.
“Imagine a place, on the ICRC hill, where employees and visitors could linger for a moment, sit, reflect and clear their mind. A simple, informal, yet meaningful place. A verdant setting that, more inspiring than decorative, would be an expression of what we want to hold on to forever.” (Excerpt from the 1997 project design)
There are memorials at ICRC sites around the world commemorating colleagues who died while helping people affected by armed conflict and other violence.
The ICRC decided to entrust the design to an architect of national or international renown whose portfolio of past projects is in keeping with the importance of this project. Minimal guidance was provided to the architects to ensure maximum freedom of expression. The selection process favoured designs from different cultures.
The following seven architects were shortlisted:
- Charles Pictet, Charles Pictet Architectes Associés, Geneva, Switzerland
- Jeanette Hansen, 3XN, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Xu Tiantian, DnA Design and Architecture, Beijing, China
- Francis Kéré, Kéré Architecture, Berlin, Germany
- Cazú Zegers, Cazú Zegers, Santiago, Chile
- Shigeru Ban, Shigeru Ban Architects, Tokyo, Japan
- Barbara Tirone, A-Architectes Sàrl, Geneva, Switzerland
All of the proposals received were of a high quality and, after extensive consultation with staff, bereaved families and a group of ICRC alumni, the Chilean firm Cazú Zegers' project was favoured. However, due to the volatile financial situation, the ICRC had to review the plan.
An incremental approach has been adopted: first, the cottages will be demolished and a memorial artefact bearing the names of commemorated colleagues will be installed. The next step could be the construction of a reception pavilion and the adaptation of the garden landscape.
The ICRC is playing a central coordinating role, overseeing the work of the main contractors: an architect, an artist, and a landscape designer. The artist’s proposal is informed by the ICRC's consultations.
