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The Plaza of Puerto Rican Identity
en Espanol home To see a video and slide show about the creation of "The Plaza of Puerto Rican Identity" Go to this page DESCRIPTION OF THE
PLAZA OF PUERTO RICAN IDENTITY
OF ITS CENTRAL GROUP
The Plaza of Puerto Rican Identity was designed to be constructed in the manner of an acropolis representing the identity, history and culture of Puerto Rico. The Ara Patria will be placed as the dominant central axis of this sculptural and architectonic complex. At the far end of the plaza the spectator will encounter the Monumental Relief of the History and Culture of Puerto Rico, a 320 square foot sculptural design comprising hundreds of figures and complementary elements which narrate the historical development and cultural evolution of Puerto Rico from pre-Colombian times to the present. Sixteen engraved stainless steel plaques in front of the relief with a written text will complete the significance of the sculptural frieze. The inscription which follows will be engraved under the relief in the granite structure which holds the bronze frieze:
FROM YOUR HISTORY AND YOUR HEROIC STRUGGLE EMANATE YOUR DIGNITY, YOUR GREATNESS AND YOUR CULTURE A cascade of water will flow from each side of the inscription forming two rivers—the River of History and the River of Culture. These will join around the central group to be collected and recycled back to the monumental relief.
Directly in front of the Ara Patria, the spectator will encounter a granite depository, formally known as an “omphalos”, sealed by a bronze medallion bearing the following inscription:
HEREWITH CONVERGE AND ARE CONSECRATED
EARTH FROM ALL YOUR CITIES AND TOWNS
WATER FROM ALL YOUR RIVERS
AND FROM THE OCEANS WHICH SURROUND YOU
UNDER THE SUN OF LIFE OF THE MOTHERLAND
STANDING IN RECKONING BY HISTORY
AND THE MEMORY OF TIME As indicated in the inscription, the depository will hold, as a symbol of the physical and animic presence of the nation, the earth and waters of its own being.
The architectonic design will be complemented by a “propylaea” or entrance marker to the “temenos” or consecrated and inviolable site, a majestic staircase and other complementary facilities. A water, light and sound presentation will highlight the significance of the Plaza. José Buscaglia - Guillermety
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