The Nexus of Hope monument, situated in an 8-mile radius circular area in Chicago, features hundreds of 10-foot tall obelisks made of granite and marble. These obelisks are inscribed in 19 different languages and serve a dual purpose: they act as both a memorial and an educational tool. By recounting the complex societal issues that led to World War 3, such as endless capitalism, greed, fascism, and racism, the monument aims to educate current and future generations. Through its intricate storytelling and multilingual approach, the Nexus of Hope embodies its name by offering both a somber remembrance of the past and a hopeful vision for a more enlightened and harmonious future.
Design
As visitors approach the Nexus of Hope, they are immediately struck by the grandeur of the hundreds of 10-foot tall obelisks that dominate the landscape. The granite and marble materials create a harmonious blend of colors, from the deep grays of the granite to the milky whites and veined patterns of the marble. The names inlaid in tungsten-gold alloy glint in the sunlight, capturing attention and inviting closer inspection. At night, the obelisks are bathed in soft, warm light, creating an ethereal glow that illuminates the entire area.
The monument is situated in an 8-mile radius circular area, emphasizing the unity and completeness that circles often symbolize. The old asphalt surface, sealed and weatherized to preserve its original look, adds another layer of historical significance. It serves as a haunting yet powerful reminder of the event that took place here, further emphasized by the nuclear shadows left by those present near ground zero. These shadows are preserved as they were, adding a poignant visual element that silently speaks volumes.
The monument is a sanctuary of quietude in the midst of the bustling city. The soft rustling of leaves in the trees and the gentle chirping of birds provide a peaceful auditory backdrop. Occasionally, the murmur of hushed conversations can be heard as visitors discuss the inscriptions or share their reflections. At times, the wind carries the distant sounds of the city, serving as a subtle reminder of the life that continues to thrive around this solemn memorial.
The surfaces of the obelisks are smooth to the touch, thanks to the penetrating sealant that protects the granite. The marble trim and structures offer a slightly cooler, softer texture. The tungsten-gold alloy of the inlaid names and other text has a distinct, almost velvety feel, contrasting with the harder stone surfaces. Benches and tables around the obelisks invite visitors to sit and touch, providing a tactile connection to the monument. The old asphalt surface, also sealed and weatherized, has a rough, gritty texture underfoot, contrasting with the smoothness of the stone and metal elements.
The air around the Nexus of Hope is tinged with the earthy scent of well-tended grass and the subtle fragrance of nearby trees. Depending on the season, visitors might also detect the aroma of blooming flowers or the crisp scent of falling leaves. These natural odors mix with the cleaner, more neutral smell of the stone, creating an olfactory experience that is both grounding and uplifting.
The well-tended grass that forms semi-circle areas throughout the monument is lush and green, providing a soft counterpoint to the hard, imposing obelisks. The grass is a specific variety chosen for its resilience and vibrant color, adding to the visual and tactile experience. Several types of trees are strategically placed around the monument, their leaves offering shade and their branches serving as a home for local birds. The trees are of varying species, each contributing its unique leaf shape, bark texture, and seasonal changes to the overall sensory experience.
Monument to History
The obelisks serve as more than just a memorial; they are storytellers, chroniclers of history, and cautionary advisors for the future. Inscribed in 19 different languages, the obelisks recount the complex tale of how society unraveled, leading to the catastrophic events of World War 3. The languages chosen—ranging from ancient tongues like Sanskrit and Hebrew to modern languages like English and Mandarin—ensure that the message is accessible to a global audience.
Themes and Lessons
The narrative on the obelisks serves as a profound educational tool, dissecting themes of endless capitalism, greed, fascism, and racism that contributed to societal breakdown and international conflict. Each obelisk focuses on specific themes or aspects, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex issues that led to World War 3. The text, inlaid in a visually striking tungsten-gold alloy, is designed not just to be read but to be touched, adding a tactile dimension that makes the experience deeply personal and impactful.
The decision to inscribe the narrative in 19 different languages demonstrates a commitment to global inclusivity and underscores the universal relevance of the events and lessons commemorated. This multilingual approach ensures that the message is accessible to a diverse audience, fostering a collective responsibility to learn from the past and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A Monument of Hope
The obelisks at the Nexus of Hope serve a dual purpose: they stand as somber reminders of a devastating past while also embodying hope for a brighter future. By exposing the mistakes and pitfalls that led to such catastrophic events, they aim to educate both current and future generations. The monument's name itself encapsulates this dual role, serving as a junction where history meets the future and lessons are both absorbed and applied.
As society evolves, the Nexus of Hope remains a constant, with its obelisks serving as vigilant storytellers and dynamic educators. Their lessons resonate with each new generation, fulfilling their ultimate purpose of being both a memorial and a beacon of hope. Through its intricate storytelling and thematic depth, the monument ensures that the past is neither forgotten nor repeated, but serves as a stepping stone to a more enlightened and harmonious future.
History
The concept for the Nexus of Hope monument was born in the year 2055, five years after the conclusion of World War 3. The Chicago city council, in partnership with the New United Nations, recognized the necessity for a memorial that would serve as both a tribute to the lives lost and a lesson for future generations. The monument was envisioned as a global memorial, reflecting the new era of unity and cooperation that the New United Nations aimed to foster.
The planning stage spanned two years and involved a multidisciplinary team of architects, historians, linguists, and artists from around the world. The finalized design featured hundreds of 10-foot tall obelisks constructed from granite and marble. These obelisks were to be inscribed with names and narratives in 19 different languages, including Tamil, Sanskrit, Traditional Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Farsi, Arabic, Korean, Italian, Lithuanian, English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, Bengali, Russian, Portuguese, and Japanese. A tungsten-gold alloy was chosen for the inlaid names, and a penetrating sealant was selected to protect the granite.
Construction commenced in 2058 and was completed over a four-year period. The Nexus of Hope was erected on the original asphalt surrounding the epicenter of the nuclear explosion, covering an 8-mile radius circular area. Advanced technologies were utilized to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the monument. Marble was incorporated as trim between granite sections and in the construction of benches, tables, and other structures around the obelisks. Each obelisk was illuminated from all sides, enhancing the monument's serene and reverential atmosphere.
By 2065, a decade after the end of World War 3, Chicago had been largely reconstructed around the Nexus of Hope. The monument became the city's focal point and a symbol of its resilience. New buildings were designed with architecture that complemented the monument, and urban planning was executed to ensure that the Nexus of Hope remained the centerpiece of the revitalized city. Educational and cultural institutions were established in proximity to the monument, transforming the area into a hub of learning and cultural exchange.
The Nexus of Hope became a place of pilgrimage, drawing visitors from all corners of the Earth. It served as a constant reminder of the cost of war and the importance of unity, diversity, and mutual respect. Over time, it also symbolized the enduring human spirit and the possibility of hope and renewal even after the most devastating of tragedies.