The Monument
Relief, which combines the strength of sculpture with the fine detail of drawing, was chosen as the most meaningful technique for a formal historical depiction of Canada's record in peacekeeping. The use of relief on military monuments harks back to major works of the past, such as the winding reliefs on Trajan's Column (A.D. 113). The central structure of this new monument is a large bronze drum with a winding relief that tells the story of Canada and peacekeeping, the whole structure surmounted by a green copper crown. The drum suggests an observation post, or the base of an incomplete column (symbolizing a world in which peace has yet to be realized). At night, a beam of light rises upward to complete the column. The classical tripartite composition is drawn together by a central image of Canadian peacekeepers standing in orderly and disciplined ranks between the opposing forces of chaos. Across the plaza, a solitary soldier keeps watch, his isolation expressive of the loneliness and patience of peacekeeping. Blue light and mist play around the monument, suggesting the smouldering of an eternal flame. A crescent-shaped mission wall directs pedestrian circulation through the site and provides a mounting for the dedications and plaques.
The Setting
The monument is designed to be visually continuous with its immediate surroundings, with paved and planted areas extending well beyond the primary site. The formal entrance to the site is a flight of steps from Sussex Drive, which is the ceremonial axis to the secondary site, providing a sitting area and suggesting a gateway for pedestrians. Ceremonies attracting hundreds of people can easily be accommodated on the primary site of the monument or, in the case of larger ceremonies, on the primary and secondary sites together.
(From official publication)
2 scanned / 2 viewable
- Photograph of Model
- Photograph of Model
