3. Armenian Garden (2010)
Groundbreaking in 2009, the Armenian Cultural Garden will celebrate the distinctive identity of the Armenian people.
Designed by architect Berj A. Shakarian, the site plan will be devised in the form of the "vesica piscis", a sacred geometric symbol representing Christ and by extension the conversion of Armenia as the first Christian nation in 301 CE. The "Alphabet" monument will be at the center of the symbol, alluding to the fact that the Armenian alphabet emerged as a result of Armenia's Christianization. In order to translate the Bible into the Armenian language, St. Mesrop Mashtots invented the alphabet circa 404 CE. According to the Armenian delegation, "The garden's divinely inspired script is the 'secret code' that defines the unique Armenian identity."
"Alphabet" will be composed of staggered granite blocks, representing both the turbulent history of the Armenian people and the ruggedly beautiful landscape of Armenia and the Caucasus. The reverse side of the monument will be inscribed with the names of 33 men and women, noted for their historical and cultural contributions to the Armenian nation. The list of names, entitled "Pride of a Nation", shall span from antiquity to the 21st century, from the king Tigran the Great to the journalist Hrant Dink.