Water is essential not only to the operations of the final memorial but also in guiding viewer engagement. The memorial functions primarily as a processional arrangement of physical space. Water is guided through the scheme between natural pools, with a hidden catchment system underground collecting and filtering rainwater that can be used to operate the scheme, while also being usable by the day camp. A small enclosed building is primarily reserved as an intermediary meeting space between members of the public and a licensed swim instructor, and allows for members of the public to engage in hydrotherapy. We have been fortunate in our community engagement that youth from the community were willing and thoughtful in their engagement with us, and the powerful stories that they recounted, rewarding us for the simple act of watching and listening. I hope for people to be rewarded similarly for their intentional engagement with the built environment, with choice still playing a vital role. Water is so important to the project as it encourages a re-evaluation of the relationship that People of Color in the region share with the history of their people, and the stories of the community.
