Sanctuary of Girlhood

Request for Proposal Monument Project Project Title: Sanctuary for Girlhood Location: Sechseläuten Square | Zurich, Switzerland The city’s government provided this public space with the intention to “upgrade [the area] for pedestrians in Zurich at a central location, to create a place with international appeal.” It is an intensely public space, and must have full public access for at least 120 days per year to fulfill its function as the main inner-city space. There are 180 days per year that the plaza is allowed to be used for events, such as the famous Sechselauten (snowman burning), Circus Knie, and the Zurich Film Festival.

Narrative: As little girls, we find sanctuaries for our girlhood. Whether in our childhood homes, on elementary school playgrounds, or at middle school slumber parties, we would make believe worlds that allowed us to mimic our heroines which ranged from Disney princesses to Hermione Granger to Wonder Woman. In these universal experiences, young girls develop an unwavering confidence in the essence of girl power which becomes a token of our childhood.

Women never stop seeking out affirming places where conversations welcome the nuances of emotion, friendship, and playfulness. However, as we mature, we come to understand that while feminism is a testament to progressive women's impactful contributions, the feminine ethos is hard to embrace in a society still struggling with gender expectations.

Concept: With thoughtful consideration of various elements of symbolism, aesthetics, and inclusivity, this monument would commemorate the work of progressive feminists while also celebrating the space they create for unfiltered femininity within our culture. Conceptually, the monument would consist of a dynamic and interactive space that pays homage to the diverse contributions of women throughout history and today. This monument would incorporate elements of strength, resilience, and unity and invite women to reconnect with the elements of their girlhood that may have been lost with maturity in a world built by men. It will create a sanctuary that provides inspiration and education on the power of femininity and celebrates its place in our global culture.

Important to Note: This is not a monument for women. This is a monument for femininity - a universal ethos, not a person.

girlhood is a middle school slumber party as you loudly whisper to your friends past midnight... girlhood is singing in harmony as you parade through the streets hand-in-hand... girlhood is drafting stories of heroism and beauty- writing in your friends as each noble character... girlhood is the story of...

the story of girlhood ...monument intends to be a provocative creation, calling for interaction and introspective thought. the space created by its formation provokes the lost feeling of girlhood and brings forth questions of feminism.....

...whereas the world we live in today may have been created mostly by men this monument shall display what femininity brings to society and constructs a permanent depiction of strong women...

...a return to girlhood, provoked through remembrance of memories...

...this absence is an invitation, beckoning all who pass by to join their timeless exhibition of femininity...

...girlhood is the story of you.