Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee Reviews 3 Design Options to Honor 49 Victims
November 21, 2024
The Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee recently reviewed three design concepts for the future Pulse Memorial, presented by Catalyst Design Group and Baker Barrios Architects. Each proposal reflects a thoughtful effort to honor the 49 lives lost in the 2016 tragedy while creating a space for healing and remembrance. Option 1 features an elliptical walkway with a central fountain, private spaces, and columns representing the "49 angels." Option 2 reimagines the original nightclub building as a large outdoor pavilion with illuminated columns of light and a poignant fountain wall that includes the names and a tribute to those whose lives were taken. Option 3 centers around a fountain constructed from the Pulse dance floor with water that cascades down the wall to a reflecting pool, blending water and light into a serene memorial.
Throughout the presentation, committee members shared heartfelt feedback, raising considerations about safety, accessibility, and long-term preservation. Catalyst’s Principal Landscape Architect, Jay Hood, expressed the emotional resonance of the designs, particularly the use of light and personal artifacts to honor the victims. The design team is addressing these concerns and refining the concepts for the next committee meeting on December 12. To complete the memorial by 2026, the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, this process underscores the community’s commitment to crafting a powerful tribute that balances remembrance with hope for the future.
Watch WESH 2’s coverage here.
