What makes a monument is the importance we place on it. There is a significance that we hold to this object to remember an event or a person. If we stopped remembering and stopped giving an object so much importance it wouldn’t be a monument.
History: The Arc de Triomphe was built between 1806 and 1836. It is in honor of those who fought for France. Engraved on the inside and at the top of the arch are all of the names of the generals and wars fought. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a patriotic site.
Anti-monument:
The Arc is located in a central area of Paris where there is a circle around the Arc.
To make it into an anti-monument, we would have to remove how central the Arc is. Its placement adds to its importance, it makes it stand out more.
Placing it in the middle of trees, or an area that doesn’t have a lot of traffic would be ideal.
Also placing it next to another monument would distract from its importance as well.
Next, keep it unmaintained. Let the trees grow, let the graffiti artists paint, as long as there is no maintenance to or around the Arc.
The graffiti would also hide the names and wars, making it impossible to remember the names.
Next, change the colors. The monument, currently, is to be approached with respect. It is a place to remember and appreciate the sacrifices of the people fighting for France.
Add advertisements and post to the walls of the Arc.
Lastly, make even the highest parts accessible. What makes monuments so great often times is that they are so big. If you make it so anyone can get to the top easily, its not as exciting.
