In 2022, Muir and Openwork architects unveiled the Victorian Family Violence Memorial in Melbourne, Australia, a poignant tribute located next to the Parliament Precinct in East Melbourne, overlooking the picturesque Fitzroy Gardens. This memorial stands as a testament to resilience and remembrance, blending seamlessly with the natural topography while inviting visitors to reflect on the collective journey towards healing and justice.

Elemental Design Principles

The design of the Victorian Family Violence Memorial revolves around five elemental design moves aimed at reshaping human behavior within the space. Rather than altering the character of the site, these design gestures serve as recognizable civic symbols, accommodating both individual reflection and communal engagement. A sweeping arc gracefully folds into the landscape, creating spaces for procession, congregation, and contemplation. A wall of thin black plate steel, simultaneously fragile and robust, anchors the memorial while preserving its sense of vulnerability and strength.

A Tribute in Purple

Central to the memorial’s design is the use of purple planting as a symbolic representation of the cause it commemorates – the elimination of violence against women and family violence. The purple ribbon movement serves as a powerful inspiration, echoed through an array of plant species that bloom with purple flowers throughout the year. This living calendar of color underscores the ever-changing yet enduring commitment to ending violence and promoting healing within the community.

Cultural Integration and Collaboration

The design process for the Victorian Family Violence Memorial was deeply collaborative, involving consultation with various stakeholders, including the City of Melbourne, Indigenous advisors, and survivor advocacy groups. The memorial’s key refrain, “Ngarru biik marrna Guliny dillbadin. Lore of the land keeps people safe,” reflects Indigenous wisdom and resilience, underscoring the importance of caring for the land and community. Translated into the Woi Wurrung language, this statement serves as a poignant introduction to the memorial, imprinted on the lip of a traditional smoking vessel.

A Ceremony of Remembrance

Prior to construction, members of the Victims and Survivors Advisory Council gathered for a solemn smoking ceremony at the site of the future memorial. The ashes from this ceremony were integrated into the concrete mix for the precast decking, infusing the memorial with a sense of cleansing and well-being. This thoughtful gesture honors the lived experiences of survivors and imbues the space with a profound sense of connection and renewal.

As a testament to resilience, remembrance, and hope, the Victorian Family Violence Memorial stands as a beacon of healing and solidarity, inviting visitors to reflect on the journey towards justice and equality for all.