The Ark of Return, the first permanent memorial erected at the United Nations in New York City, is a poignant tribute to the courage of enslaved people, abolitionists, and unsung heroes who fought to end the oppression of slavery. Shaped like a slave ship, this Marble vessel symbolizes a "return" aimed at undoing the tragedy of slavery, promoting healing, and fostering a positive path forward.

PICCO Engineering played a crucial role as part of the design team, focusing on connection modeling and design, steel framing coordination, stone engineering, anchoring design, and overseeing the overall stone installation. The project's complex shape required an innovative and non-traditional approach to stone engineering. To ensure the architect's vision was realized, we employed BIM software visualization tools and geometry analysis to accurately integrate the structure with the natural stone panels. PICCO also developed a specific sequencing pattern to facilitate access to the connection details.

The project utilized 550 cubic feet of honed Olympic White Danby Marble, with panel sizes reaching up to 128 x 78 inches and thicknesses ranging from 2 to 9 inches, necessitating special lifting techniques for installation. The Trinity Figure, hand-carved by Marble craftsman Leo Corsanini from Carrara, Italy, features an outstretched hand and a white Marble "robe." This full-scale, intricately carved figure serves as a powerful reminder of the humanistic elements of the memorial, embodying the spirits of the men, women, and children who perished in slavery.

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