
5/31 Remembrance Memorial Conceptual Designs
In 2021, the Virginia Beach City Council formally approved the formation of the 5/31 Memorial Committee (“the Committee”) and appointed 13 members to guide the permanent memorial planning process. The appointees represent a cross-section of the community and include family members of those who were lost, City staff, and Virginia Beach residents.
The Committee has spent the last year determining and evaluating potential memorial sites, finding consensus on a preferred location, and considering and agreeing on the design elements and desired components for the memorial.
The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and solicited proposals from design teams nationwide, including from those who have designed similar memorials.** The Committee evaluated the submissions and narrowed the scope to two finalist firms. Each firm was provided a $10,000 stipend. They visited Virginia Beach and engaged stakeholders to inform their design concepts. **Section III, Project Goals / Design (Established by 5/31/ Committee) from the RFQ is available for review in the box to the right of the survey.)
The finalists presented their conceptual designs to the Committee on March 2, 2023. (The video of those presentations is included with the survey questions on the appropriate tab.) The Committee previously requested feedback from the community through online surveys on this site in 2019 and 2022 that helped shape their decisions. The Committee has again requested that the community be afforded an opportunity to share their input and comments on the finalist designs.
Each design is embedded as an image in the survey. Additionally, each is attached as a PDF which can be opened and enlarged (see box on the right-hand side). The survey consists of the following three tabs: Dills Architects with SWA, RHI / Larry Kirkland Studios, and Demographic Information. Please complete the responses for each of the three tabs. (The tabs are located directly to the left of the PDFs on the right-hand side of the page and above the beginning of this information block.) This input, along with other components, will be used by the Committee to help inform their recommendation to City Council.
Please visit https://loveforvb.com/memorial/committee-goals for more information on the Committee’s work. For questions regarding their work, please contact 531MemorialPlanning@vbgov.com.
Questions regarding survey technical issues can be directed to nbloom@vbgov.com
The survey closed at midnight on March 23, 2023.
Results of this survey are available on www.LoveForVB.com.
The community was invited to share thoughts on the two finalists' conceptual proposals for the permanent memorial. Results of this survey are available on www.LoveForVB.com
Phases
Survey Results
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Evoke a sense of peace and calm? [#188298]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Provide a meditative space for remembrance? [#188299]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Educate about those lost on 5/31? [#188300]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Seem appropriate for a remembrance ceremony? [#188301]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Offer quiet for personal reflection? [#188302]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Respectfully acknowledge the tragedy? [#188303]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Leave you inspired by the efforts of those who helped and those City staff who continue the work of their fallen colleagues? [#188304]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Have broad appeal to all who would be visiting? [#188305]
Does the design concept by DILLS ARCHITECTS with SWA …: Is this a place you would feel comfortable visiting? [#188306]
Comments: Which elements of the Dill Architects with SWA design concept most resonate with you? [#188410]
Many respondents emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective, and accessible space that honors the victims and survivors. There was frequent mention of incorporating elements of nature, such as gardens, water features, and trees, to foster healing and tranquility. Several responses highlighted the need for the memorial to include the names of the victims and provide educational information about the events of 5/31, ensuring the story is not forgotten and future generations can learn from it.
Accessibility and inclusivity were recurring themes, with suggestions for ADA-compliant paths, seating, and multilingual signage. Some respondents requested interactive or contemplative spaces, such as benches, quiet areas, or places for leaving flowers and mementos. There was also support for involving the families of victims and the broader community in the design process.
A few responses expressed concern about the memorial being too somber or sterile, advocating instead for a space that balances remembrance with hope and resilience. Others cautioned against designs that might be too abstract or difficult to understand, preferring clear symbolism and meaningful elements [e.g.,.
Overall, the most common priorities were honoring the victims, fostering healing, ensuring accessibility, and creating a lasting, educational tribute.
Comments: Please list any concerns you may have about Dills Architects with SWA's design concept. [#188372]
Many respondents emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective, and accessible space that honors the victims and survivors. There was frequent mention of incorporating natural elements such as trees, water features, and gardens to foster a sense of healing and tranquility. Several responses highlighted the need for the memorial to include the names of the victims and provide educational information about the events of 5/31, ensuring the story is not forgotten [e.g.,.
Accessibility and inclusivity were recurring themes, with suggestions for ADA-compliant paths, seating, and multilingual signage. Some respondents stressed the importance of the memorial being a space for both private reflection and community gatherings, with flexible areas for ceremonies or group activities [e.g.,.
A few responses expressed concerns about maintenance and long-term upkeep, urging the use of durable materials and sustainable landscaping. Others suggested involving local artists or the community in the design process to ensure the memorial reflects the unique character and needs of those affected [e.g., 5a1b2c3d-4e5f-6a7b-8c9d-0e1f2a3b4c5d].
Some comments raised the need for privacy and quiet, recommending the memorial be located away from busy streets or commercial areas. There were also calls for subtle security measures to ensure visitors feel safe without detracting from the memorial’s atmosphere.
Overall, respondents want a memorial that is serene, meaningful, and enduring, with a strong emphasis on remembrance, education, and community healing.
Comments: Other comments that you would like to share regarding Dills Architects with SWA: [#188331]
Many respondents emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective, and respectful space for remembrance, with frequent mentions of nature elements such as trees, gardens, and water features. There was strong support for designs that foster quiet contemplation and healing, rather than those that feel too busy or commercialized. Several respondents expressed a desire for the memorial to honor the victims and survivors, with some suggesting the inclusion of their names or personal stories [e.g..
Accessibility and inclusivity were recurring themes, with calls for the space to be welcoming to all community members, including those with disabilities. Many respondents stressed the need for the memorial to be a place for community gathering and education, but not at the expense of its primary purpose as a site of remembrance.
Some respondents voiced concerns about the cost and maintenance of elaborate designs, preferring simplicity and sustainability. There were also comments about avoiding political or divisive symbolism, and ensuring the memorial remains focused on healing and unity.
A few responses included suggestions for interactive elements, such as benches, walking paths, or spaces for leaving messages, while others cautioned against anything that might detract from the solemnity of the site. Overall, the most common sentiment was a desire for a tranquil, natural, and respectful memorial that honors those affected and provides comfort to the community.
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Evoke a sense of peace and calm? [#188398]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Provide a meditative space for remembrance? [#188399]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Educate about those lost on 5/31? [#188400]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Seem appropriate for a remembrance ceremony? [#188401]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Offer quiet for personal reflections? [#188402]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Respectfully acknowledge the tragedy? [#188403]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Leave you inspired by the efforts of those who helped and those City staff who continue the work of their fallen colleagues? [#188404]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Have broad appeal to all who would be visiting? [#188405]
Does the design concept by RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio ...: Is this a place you would feel comfortable visiting? [#188406]
Comments: Which elements of RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio design concept most resonate with you? [#188407]
Respondents most frequently emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective space that honors the victims and supports healing for the community. Many suggested incorporating natural elements such as trees, gardens, water features, and quiet areas for contemplation. There was strong support for including the names of victims in a respectful and prominent way, with some recommending plaques, stones, or walls [e.g..
Accessibility and inclusivity were mentioned repeatedly, with calls for the memorial to be welcoming to all, including people with disabilities. Several respondents stressed the need for the design to be simple, timeless, and not overly elaborate, so as to maintain focus on remembrance rather than spectacle.
A number of comments highlighted the desire for the memorial to serve as an educational space, possibly including information about the event and its impact on the community. Some respondents expressed concerns about maintenance and long-term upkeep, urging the selection of durable materials and low-maintenance landscaping.
There were also suggestions for interactive or participatory elements, such as spaces for leaving messages or flowers, and for hosting community gatherings or ceremonies. A few respondents cautioned against designs that could be seen as political or divisive, advocating instead for unity and healing.
Overall, the most common themes were respect, tranquility, nature, accessibility, and a clear focus on honoring the victims and supporting the community’s ongoing recovery.
Comments: Please list any concerns you may have about the RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio memorial design concept. [#188408]
Many respondents emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective, and respectful space that honors the victims and survivors. There was frequent mention of incorporating elements of nature, such as gardens, water features, and trees, to promote healing and tranquility. Several responses highlighted the need for the memorial to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that all community members can participate and reflect [e.g.,.
Personalization was a recurring theme, with suggestions to include the names, stories, or photos of victims, and to provide space for visitors to leave messages or tokens [e.g., 3f2b1c4d-5e6f-7a8b-9c0d-1e2f3a4b5c6d]. Some respondents requested interactive or educational components to help visitors understand the impact of the event and promote community healing.
There were also comments stressing the importance of simplicity and avoiding overly elaborate or abstract designs, so the focus remains on remembrance and reflection. A few responses expressed concerns about maintenance and long-term upkeep, suggesting durable materials and ongoing community involvement [e.g., 9a8b7c6d-5e4f-3a2b-1c0d-9e8f7a6b5c4d].
Overall, the most common themes were the desire for a serene, natural setting, personalization to honor those lost, and accessibility for all.
Comments: Other comments you would like to share regarding RHI / Larry Kirkland Studio: [#188409]
Many respondents emphasized the importance of creating a peaceful, reflective, and accessible space that honors the victims and survivors. There was frequent mention of incorporating natural elements such as trees, water features, and gardens to foster tranquility and healing. Several responses highlighted the need for the memorial to be inclusive and welcoming to all, with a focus on community gathering and contemplation.
A recurring theme was the desire for the memorial to tell the story of the tragedy and its impact, possibly through plaques, names, or interactive elements that educate visitors and preserve memories [e.g.,. Some respondents suggested integrating art or sculpture, while others stressed the importance of simplicity and avoiding designs that feel too commercial or overwhelming.
Accessibility for people with disabilities and considerations for safety and maintenance were also mentioned multiple times. A few responses expressed concerns about cost and long-term upkeep, urging practical and sustainable choices.
Overall, respondents want the memorial to serve as a lasting tribute that promotes healing, remembrance, and community connection, with a strong preference for natural, serene, and inclusive design elements.
