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Council receives Newport Middle Passage memorial design review and model; designer details 16-foot timber 'vessel' concept
Summary
Designers and project representatives presented the Newport Middle Passage memorial concept — a roughly 30-by-40-foot commemorative ground with a 16-foot-tall laminated timber 'vessel' and illumination — and the council received the communication and advised next steps including RIDOT review and continued community consultation.
Project representatives and designer Julian Bonder presented the design and model for the Newport Middle Passage memorial and asked the council to receive the communication and support the next steps in the approval and fundraising process.
Project lead described the memorial as a public instrument for memory that will honor captive Africans who perished in the Middle Passage and the contributions of their descendants to Newport. Architect Julian Bonder said the memorial plan centers on a commemorative ground, "a vessel" formed by repetitive laminated timber elements and a green buffer to protect the space from surrounding traffic; he described the structure's plan dimensions as "around 30 by 40 feet" with a height of about "16 feet." Bonder emphasized the project's aim to create a site for contemplation, public assembly and illumination at night.
Councilors asked about sight lines, height, maintenance and RIDOT review because the project sits near state-controlled right-of-way; the project team said they expect one year to 15 months for construction following design approvals and that they have a maintenance fund as part of their fundraising. Council voted to receive the communication; council members recommended continued review by Tree & Open Space, the Public Sculpture Committee and RIDOT design staff before final approvals and asked the team to continue community outreach.
