Voyage of enlightenment

Typology
Monument

Year
2023

Location
University of Maryland, Van Munching Mall

Material
Concrete and Polished Stainless Steel

The Voyage of Enlightenment monument honors the educational journey that students undertake, composed of four "portals," each symbolizing a different class standing. Crafted from concrete, the portals are adorned with reflective surfaces on the interior, serving as a metaphor for self-discovery. As users move through each portal, the clarity of the reflective surfaces changes, symbolizing the evolving nature of the student experience. The surfaces become clearer with each step, culminating in the final portal, where the reflection reveals a recognizable version of oneself, symbolizing the completion of the journey. The portals are purposefully misaligned to reflect the non-linear paths that students take, while still guiding them toward the end of their educational voyage. As visitors pass through, the experience concludes with a moment of reflection, offering a sweeping view of the southern campus expanse, symbolizing the future yet to be unveiled

These stones bear witness to the journey within—where young hearts found purpose, and young minds found their voice.