Intentional Design and Architecture of The HC
The Zekelman Holocaust Center (The HC) was established in 1984 by local Holocaust survivors whose goal was to create a community and memorialize their loved ones who were murdered during the Holocaust.
In 2004, The HC partnered with local architecture firm Neumann Smith to design a state-of-Âthe-art building with a museum and spaces for programming in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Many survivors wanted people in their everyday lives to be confronted with the realities of what can happen when hate and prejudice go unchecked.
The architecture of The HC’s exterior helps to evoke powerful emotions that mirror the difficult history presented inside the building. This resource will help teach about core Holocaust history through the design and architectural details of The HC.
More Resources
Understanding The HC’s Genocide Model: Breakdown and Printable Poster
Rather than a time-based approach, The HC’s Genocide Model takes a sociological approach, looking at both individual agency at the micro-level and structural determinants reflected in collective norms, policies, and…
Understanding The HC’s Peace Model: Breakdown and Printable Poster
Why do we learn about genocide? To prevent it and to imagine a different, more peaceful world. This model helps us envision that reality. The Peace Model, created by The…
5 Pedagogical Principles for Holocaust Education
This downloadable PDF guide outlines our five core pedagogical principles for Holocaust education: defining terms, teaching thematically, using primary sources, emphasizing the diversity of experiences, and creating a supportive learning…
Template for Designing a Holocaust and Genocide Education Plan
This planning tool guides educators in developing thoughtful, standards-aligned lessons on the Holocaust and genocide. It helps teachers design meaningful instruction through a series of reflective and practical prompts about…
