A Space for Critical
Design Thinking
Bridge Sanctuary
Sonam Lhamo, Jiawei Yao, Yiying Tang
Bridge Sanctuary
Sonam Lhamo, Jiawei Yao, Yiying Tang

The project is dedicated to commemorating the victims of the 1871 Chinese Massacre in Los Angeles while addressing the persistent issues of racism and segregation in the city. Our approach to this memorial is marked by its humility and accessibility. Instead of a conspicuous monument, we aim to create an everyday scene that invites everyone. Instead of a vertical form, for example an obelisk, traditional Chinese architecture often uses horizontal line and roof structure to create a monumental form. That’s the main language that we carry through the whole project. It is not merely a memorial; it is a sanctuary for the people of Los Angeles, where history and community converge. This project is one of the 6 finalists for the Memorial to the Victims of the 1871 Chinese Massacre.