The future of memory

Objectives:The future of memorials is a complex and evolving topic, reflecting changing societal values, technological advances, and cultural shifts. As traditional practices of commemoration decline, new approaches are emerging that respond to contemporary needs and preferences. This transformation is evident in various sectors, including the funeral, cemetery, and cremation industries, which are adapting to meet the demands of a more diverse and mobile society. The study aims to understand what memorials of the future will look like. The research is based on the ongoing doctoral study at the Doctoral School of Architecture at UAUIM, Divergent Memories - Nobody's Monuments, started in 2020, and on articles published in various publications, such as the journal Arhitectura 4-5 2023(706-707), where an article on the situation of communist monuments in Ukraine appeared. The approach of the paper was done by analyzing recent case studies, as well as past memorials, to understand the major changes that society is going through today. Careful observations were made on memorials, taking into account the way people today preserve one’s memory in the virtual environment, as well as in the physical environment. The study is of interest to students, teachers and researchers, in understanding the future of memorials. For architects, the study represents a landmark, which can guide them in the design of monuments appropriate for the 21st century. Research indicates that there is a significant shift towards personalized and informal practices of commemoration, which are increasingly favored by the bereaved over traditional formal ceremonies. This trend highlights a growing desire for memorials that resonate on a personal level, allowing individuals to express their grief and memory in ways that feel authentic to them. The work raises the question of the memorials of the future and how they will look in the future. The theme has remained unexplored and represents an important opportunity to understand the perspectives of monuments within the modern era.