
Professor Karen Franck: The Changing Design of Public Memorials Professor Karen Franck, from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Associate Professor Quentin Stevens, from RMIT’s School of Architecture and Design, are collaborating on a major research project on the design and use of public memorials. The project is unique in examining both temporary memorials erected by members of the public and official permanent memorials. It draws upon first-hand observations of both kinds of memorials at the sites of terrorist attacks in New York and London. The researchers also focus on visitor experience of recent abstract memorials, including examples stretching from Berlin to Melbourne to Washington. The collaborators are currently writing a book Spaces of Engagement: Memorial Design, Use and Meaning. They are also joining RMIT Landscape Architecture Professor SueAnne Ware on a grant proposal to study the complex procurement process for public memorials. Professor Franck will deliver the following public…