Final answer:
An important condition for the design of a memorial, as discussed in 'Always to Remember,' is that it does not need to be beautiful but instead should evoke the solemnity and pain of the events it commemorates, demonstrated by Maya Lin's Vietnam Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial in San Francisco.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to "Always to Remember," an important condition for the design of a memorial was that it should not necessarily be beautiful. In fact, as expressed by Simon Wiesenthal at the unveiling of one monument, "This monument shouldn't be beautiful; it must hurt." This statement reflects a critical approach to memorial design, emphasizing the power of the memorial to evoke the pain and the gravity of the events it commemorates.
For instance, Maya Lin's design for the Vietnam Memorial was unusual according to traditional concepts of memorials—it was a stark V-shaped wall inscribed with the names of fallen soldiers, intended to create a reflective and somber experience rather than a conventionally beautiful structure. Similarly, the Holocaust Memorial in San Francisco features stark, white figures to reflect the tragedy of the Holocaust, aligning with the sentiment that memorials should provoke a deeper emotional and contemplative response rather than merely pleasing aesthetics.