Smooth Walls
A smooth wall surface is one of the most difficult textures to achieve in concrete. Board-formed concrete textures are more common and are easier to create, but this texture was not selected, for two primary reasons:
- The sense of touch plays an important roll in creating an experience for the visitor, one that enhances the spirit of dignity and solemnity. The smooth surface is inviting. There is a certain elegance in the smoothness that enhances this experience, whereas the rough, industrial look tends to distract.
- While the board-formed texture has been around as long as concrete itself, the context in which it is used in contemporary architecture to create an “industrial look” means that projects built in this style risk looking dated. It was a purposeful choice to consider visitors in 50-100 years not saying, “Oh that monument looks so early turn of the century.”
For more information about the Elaine Massacre Memorial, visit:
https://www.elainemassacrememorial.org/
For more information about the Elaine Massacre, visit:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/death-hundreds-elaine-massacre-led-supreme-court-take-major-step-toward-equal-justice-african-americans-180969863/
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/elaine-massacre-of-1919-1102/