THE NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL

CLIENT

Government of India

ARCHITECT

Webe Design Lab

YEAR

2016 - 2019

LOCATION

New Delhi

VISUALS

AWA, Webe Design Lab

The National War Memorial, situated in the heart of New Delhi, honors soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. The architectural design respects the sanctity of the Central Vista as national assets and provides unhindered access to the public. Concentric circular spaces, or chakras have different symbolic and functional meanings, and the layered lighting design approach reinforces this. The outermost Rakshak chakra (Protector) provides an outer even glow of the circle of light acting as a protective element for the entire memorial. The second chakra, Yudhpath (Warrior) has dots of light, with the number of dots representing the number of warriors who have given their lives to the country. The third chakra, Tyag (Sacrifice) symbolizes the sacrifice the warrior made for the nation. LED uplight fixtures highlight the names of these brave warriors. The descent of the warrior statue into the dharti (earth) is highlighted by recessed ground uplights. The fourth chakra, Veer (Braveheart) has lights going up into the sky to symbolize the victory the warrior has achieved. The fifth chakra, Punarjanm (Rebirth) signifies the return of the warrior, with a streak of light ascending upwards to the heavens and the great cosmos above.