Emmanuel Oni is a first-generation Nigerian-American living in New York City. He is an artist and designer utilizing spatial justice to unearth past trauma, reclaim space, and speculate possible futures for healing. He received a Master's in Architecture from Parsons School of Design and a dual Bachelor's in Biology & Psychology from the University of Houston. He is a former Director of Community Design at the New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, an Adjunct Professor at Parsons the New School for Design, and co-founder and Creative Director of the non-profit Liminal.

instagram: @_oni  |  @beyondmemorial


website: liminalsp.org | https://givebutter.com/beyondmemorial

PROJECT: BEYOND MEMORIAL

Common in the aftermath of shootings, a candle memorial follows shortly after the incident. However, once these memorials have taken place they are often removed. Community members still have negative perceptions and residual community trauma associated with these areas, leaving these public spaces feeling unsafe and stigmatized. Very little is done within the sites themselves. They typically have poor street lighting, while lacking natural elements and cultural markers, all contributing towards unwelcoming environmental conditions. Beyond Memorial is a design, spatial, and healing justice response to the invisible, yet palpable community scars left in spaces after gun violence. The goal is to strengthen an existing trauma and healing network by leading community design workshops exploring how to reclaim public spaces associated with loss.