Middleton Place is one of the great gardens in America and once a thriving plantation. Sadly, it was here where the repressive institution of slavery was practiced. Now, the idea of a commemorative center is proposed to tell the full story, to make visible those who had been invisible, to honor and remember those that gave so much of their lives in labor of the land and place; to restore human dignity, and give hope back to the land that has been scarred by the events of its past, The idea proposes that every year in early March (the historical time of rice planting), an interdisciplinary team (a historian, landscape architect and horticulturist) gathers together to design a garden on the grounds of Middleton. This new garden embodies the spirit of the place by commemorating the sacrifices that were made here; and that signifies the healing of the land, renewal of the human spirit and unity of all people. A major component of the garden design is the development of a symbolic new plant. The new plant and garden will be celebrated every October in a special ceremony and can be seen by visitors throughout its growing period. After the exhibition is completed and ground turned over, the new plant and garden documentation become part of an ongoing living exhibition and the cycle begins again with a new team for the next year. SPACES PROPOSED FOR THE CENTER FOCUS AROUND THE EXISTING RICE MILL BUILDING ON THE SITE AND INCLUDE: ∞ A PLACE OF SOLITUDE: A meditative place to remember the people who were bound as slaves at Middleton Place, to reflect on their suffering and the stifling of the physical and intellectual potential of these Americans held back by this repressive institution. ∞ A PLACE TO CONSIDER BEAUTY AND SUFFERING: An enclosed place for growing plants year round, here plants will be developed for the yearly commemorative garden and also exhibit the previous gardens and plants of past commemorative gardens. This is an enclosed space with an area for growing plants. ∞ A PLACES TO STUDY: Separate retreat study spaces for team: (small cells) • The Horticulturist - The Historian - The Landscape Architect. ∞ A PLACE TO WORK TOGETHER, that allows for creativity and the development of profound ideas. A collaborative work space with studio and meeting space for team (horticulturist, historian, landscape architect) When not used by the team this space will be used by others during the year for meetings. ∞ A PLACE TO GATHER IN COMMUNITY – to honor, remember, and celebrate: This is a public gathering place to celebrate, honor, present, discuss. Here every year there will be a special celebration in October that presents the commemorative garden design. After the celebration the group makes a pilgrimage to the garden. During the rest of the year the space will be used as an event space for lectures, performances, weddings and banquets. 029011512