Memorial Plaza
Fallen Heroes Memorial — San Mateo, CA
Project Details
Location : 50 E 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Firm: RRM Design Group
Position: Landscape Designer
Project Type: Anamorphic Sculpture, Memorial Plaza
Years Involved: 2022-2024
Project Overview
Memorial Plaza is a commemorative intervention within San Mateo’s Central Park that pairs everyday civic space with a focused moment of remembrance. At its heart is the Fallen Heroes Memorial, an anamorphic “Remembrance Poppy” revealed from a single vantage point as seven vertical pillars align to form the universal symbol of sacrifice. The surrounding plaza, planting, and seating are organized to frame this optical moment, guide visitors through a sequence of approach, pause, and reflection, and integrate the memorial into the life of the park rather than isolating it as an object on a pedestal.
Key Contributions
As a landscape designer on the project, I contributed across concept development, site planning, and visualization, including:
Developing early concept layouts to test the organization of the memorial plaza and grove, visitor circulation, and key sightlines to the anamorphic poppy.
Assisting with the creation and refinement of 3D study models to explore pillar alignment, optical viewpoints, and the relationship between the sculptural element and surrounding landscape.
Supporting the production of illustrative plans, diagrams, and presentation graphics that communicated the Fallen Heroes Memorial concept, approach sequence, and park context to stakeholders.
Concept Development
Plan I
Plan II
Plan III
Plan IV
Initial Concept - Side View
Final Concept - Side View
Anamorph Study - Side View
Mock Up - Side View
Initial Concept - Front View
Final Concept - Front View
Anamorph Study - Front View
Mock Up - Front View
Construction Drawings
Completed Project
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