Remembrance Memorial
Constellation Garden
As part of UNC Charlotte’s annual Day of Remembrance, on Friday, April 28, 2023, the University dedicated a permanent campus memorial to honor two students who lost their lives, those who suffered physical injuries and everyone present in Kennedy Building, Room 236, on April 30, 2019, the date of a shooting on campus. The memorial was installed on the verdant plaza leading to Kennedy’s entrance.
Designed as a “constellation garden,” the structure’s design follows the orientation of the stars above the building on April 30, 2019. The memorial’s arched framework will serve as a campus gathering place. Contributing to a tone of reflection and contemplation are stone benches etched with the names of Riley Howell and Reed Parlier, who were tragically killed, and Rami Alramadhan ’23, Sean DeHart ’21, Emily Houpt ’19 and Drew Pescaro ’22, who were injured.
“In 2019, UNC Charlotte made a promise to all the victims and their families to never forget those who suffered and lost so much,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “This memorial, which truly captures Riley Howell’s love of nature and Reed Parlier’s passion for technology, forever imprints their presence on Niner Nation, and offers a place of solace for all those affected by the events of April 30. The constellation garden’s location in the heart of our beautiful campus offers a daily reminder for students, faculty, staff and visitors of Niner Nation’s resounding resilience.”
The memorial was designed by TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, Hypersonic Collaborative and Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture. The group’s submission was selected from four finalists and a total of 36 entries from local and national design teams. The memorial process was initiated by the Niner Nation Remembrance Commission, appointed by Chancellor Emeritus Philip L. Dubois shortly after the April 30 shooting. Their recommendations led to the work of the Memorial Jury, chaired by Brook Muller, dean of UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture, which managed the design submission and selection process.
About TEN x TEN
TEN x TEN is a landscape architecture and urban design practice grounded by a shared curiosity and passion for experimentation and agency. We collaborate with visionary clients and teams to co-create immersive future-focused landscapes that will adapt to social, economic and environmental transformation. Capitalizing on creative alliances between fields, we operate comfortably within a shifting set of disciplinary boundaries. TEN x TEN designs for resilience and flexibility, monitoring what makes places thrive, adapt and be loved long after they are built.
Our practice explores spaces, materials, and ecologies at all scales. With extensive experience working across the disciplines of architecture, landscape and art, our work pays careful attention to craft, beauty and the various levels of temporality inherent in any landscape. Our approach elevates the everyday human experience through a deep respect for the authenticity of people, culture and ecology.
Our methodology is rooted in transdisciplinary approaches to working, making and organizing. We create strong relationships with our clients and collaborators through listening, communication and trust, and cultivate a design process full of community and laughter.
