In studying for design ideas for this project, I gathered many theories for the best way to approach this competition. Slavery had a major impact on the United States. It was part of our foundation but it was also extremely terrible. For my memorial proposal I wanted to create an experience that would leave people thinking, in a way that moved them to realizing the impact of slavery and how terrible the oppression of people can be. For placement I selected the West Potomac Park where it would be located in triangulation with the Lincoln, Jefferson, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. I wanted the project to relate to these because of their historical significance but also wanted the slavery memorial to be capable of standing alone, not shadowed by any other site. The memorial itself is oriented based on certain metaphors created through slavery. It is burrowed into the ground representing the oppression of slaves and treatment as lower life. The sloping entrance is tight in order to make the visitor feel uncomfortable. In order to grasp the impact they must feel disorientation, as did the slaves on their journey to America in captivity. Visitors stay below ground winding through a maze, which represents the journey to freedom. Along the path are quotes to be read in remembrance of those who suffered. The path is also guided by a roof opening to symbolize the use of the stars to lead their way. One follows this path occasionally seeing wondering pieces to represent those who were able to escape and/or incapable of surviving. Towards the end of the experience one begins to comeback out into the opening representing the ending of slavery. My final idea was that one remains below ground, but without the cover, and experiences the large wall representing segregation. They were free but still facing oppression from a tough society. The final piece is the exit where you arrive above ground facing the memorials.