VIRGINIA SOCIETY AIA COMPETITION 2016

In Hampton, Virginia, Fort Monroe had a complicated and contradictory history involving African Americans and slavery. In 1861, the fort was transformed into a safe haven for African American refugees of war. Situated at the waterfront, the site currently has historical marker placed to highlight the first African Americans brought to Virginia in 1619.

The two-day competition asked for the creation of a place for contemplation, congregation, participation, celebration, and performance in the area surrounding the historical marker. The design needs to respect the history of the place, to touch the site lightly, and to weather elegantly. Regarding the program, it must provide a variety of activities while adjusting to the seasons.

The proposed design is a dynamic form derived from three volumes. The first volume, facing north toward Fort Monroe, houses programs related to communal activities. This includes conference rooms and a stage for performances. To the south at the waterfront, the second volume lightly touches the ground and cantilevers over the water. This gesture symbolizes the sensitive topic regarding events related to slavery in the past. The volume contains programs related to appreciation and remembrance, including a historic gallery as well as a room for meditation and reflection. The third, slimmer volume branching off toward the west houses retail and smaller multipurpose rooms for the community. The three volumes are melded in the center, joined by a bridge that arches over the existing road. This symbolizes the history of African AMericans at Fort Monroe, and the act of moving on while reconciling with events in the past.