Benjamin Hale

The memorial draws inspiration from the concept of “thin places” in Welsh mythology, mystical thresholds where the distance between the seen and unseen is so slight that the divine and otherworldly seem just beyond reach. Traditionally associated with stone circles, dolmens, and sacred churches, these sites mark spaces where time, emotion, and meaning converge. In a contemporary woodland setting within Cardiff, the design seeks to evoke this profound sense of connection, offering visitors a place where reflection and memory coexist.

The design is centred on a raised circular platform, referencing a timeless motif found in both religious and spiritual contexts. The form also draws on the Banc Tynddol golden sun disc from 2450 to 2150 BCE at Cwmystwyth, an ancient funerary object whose beauty and enduring symbolism informed the memorial. Here, the circle embodies continuity and sacrifice, acknowledging the ongoing risks and losses faced by Welsh Police Officers.

Encircling the space, a patinated blue cold rolled steel band wraps the platform, terminating at a singular robust column, which stands sentinel. A central gold steel disc, three feet across, references the Banc Tynddol disc and will naturally patinate over time, deepening its connection to the passage of time. The layered materiality, patinated steel, charred oak, cast metal, and stacked Welsh slate cassettes, creates a dialogue between permanence and impermanence, individuality and collective memory.

Set within a carefully preserved forest clearing, the memorial is grounded to protect the surrounding trees’ roots while offering visitors an intimate, contemplative space. With no overt symbols dictating meaning, it invites personal interpretation, allowing each visitor to find their own resonance. Discussions with families regarding the placement of names and the final form remain ongoing, ensuring the design continues to evolve in both physical and symbolic significance.

Through its layering of form, materiality, and mythological reference, the memorial conjures a contemporary “thin place,” commemorating sacrifice while connecting the everyday visitor to the profound, the eternal, and the shared memory of service.

Current Status: Planning

CGI: Slab