Project design began with a two-part discovery process. Initial discovery focused on seven carefully tailored engagement sessions with families of the 58, survivors/concertgoers, emergency responders, and community members. The team sought to hear directly from these groups and gather insight into their needs, preferences and aspirations. In addition, the team consulted with experts on trauma and memorialization to build a deeper level of awareness on the particular needs of individuals who may seek out the memorial and ways in which to maximize their comfort and connection. Insights from these encounters drove inspiration for the concept’s key features and elements. Concept and Features The level site, at the corner of E. Reno Avenue and Giles Street, is 1 block east of Las Vegas Blvd and occupies a portion of the Harvest Festival event grounds. The memorial runs in a north/south orientation and includes a modest amount of parking, a small support building and the memorial itself. The landscaping plan features native and drought resistant plantings. Throughout the memorial journey, sight lines to the Mandalay Bay Hotel, the location of shots fired, have been minimized or completely obscured. Inspired by the concept of memory and unbreakable bonds of connection, the memorial’s path takes the form of an infinity symbol. While visitors will experience a gentle path that winds in and around itself, the memorial creates a distinct imprint of light on the landscape – gracefully standing out from its surroundings. This symbol represents how the human spirit can rise over tragedy, how hope can be found in despair, and how light can overcome darkness. The Memorial itself has been designed with two distinct zones, interspersed with storytelling moments. •The Remembrance Ring, where the tone is contemplative, honors the 58 victims. This area provides a quite atmosphere with minimal distractions. The Remembrance Ring is a 58' diameter space honors each of the 58 victims who lost their lives on October 1, 2017. These vertical elements stand in recognition of the candlelight vigils that followed the shooting. •The Community Plaza, offering places to gather and heal, incorporates more open spaces for memorial events. This area is meant to embrace a sense of celebration, renewal and engagement. •The Remembrance Ring and Community Plaza are are connected along the path through a Tower of Light, a 58’ tall landmark that bridges the two areas and allows visitors to transition from a reflective state of mind to a more active and engaged mindset. •Storytelling moments, such as the Surround, the Courage to Connect and the Angel Wall, have been created along the journey to suggest how we are all deeply affected and connected by the story of loss and spontaneous heroism. The Forever One Memorial was designed to fulfill an emotional brief and to provide a transformative journey of reflection, remembrance and the prevention of violence. It is a symbol of how a community came together to commemorate those who have been lost and as a place for support and connection with others who have been similarly affected.