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Architectural Canopy of Light Crafted From Glass and Natural Stone For Community Reflection

Authors:
Sara Olier, Camila Angel, Lucrecia Piedrahita
Architectural Canopy of Light Crafted From Glass and Natural Stone For Community Reflection

Project in-detail

Crafted from glass and natural stone, the architectural canopy creates an immersive environment for reflection and community engagement, honoring the historical significance of the Baltic Way.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafts an architectural cloud of light that enhances the atmosphere through dynamic interactions of light and shadow.
02
Incorporates Transit Houses that serve as gathering points with open layouts for communal activities.
03
Features landscape observatories designed to seamlessly integrate nature with the built environment.
04
Utilizes durable materials like natural stone and glass to reflect the historical context of the Baltic states.
05
Includes a flexible exhibition space for showcasing evolving narratives of Baltic culture and history.

## Overview
The "Iconographies of Memory" memorial, located in Riga, Latvia, is dedicated to the Baltic Way, a peaceful demonstration that unified the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 1989. This project emerges within the urban landscape of Riga, emphasizing the historical significance and collective resilience of the Baltic peoples. The design intent is to create a space that fosters reflection and community engagement while honoring the memory of significant historical events.

## Spatial Engagement and User Experience
The architectural strategy includes several distinct components that promote interaction and contemplation. The Transit Houses, with their minimalistic forms, serve as gathering points that host exhibitions and events, embodying the communal spirit of the original demonstration. Landscapes Observatories are strategically positioned to integrate with the natural surroundings, offering visitors opportunities for reflection and a deeper connection to the environment. The architectural design facilitates movement through ramps and platforms, encouraging an immersive experience as visitors navigate through the site.

## Materiality and Structural Themes
Key materials employed in the design include glass, concrete, natural stone, and metal, each contributing to the overall narrative of the memorial. Glass enhances transparency and connects interior spaces with the outdoors, while concrete serves as a durable foundation symbolizing resilience. Natural stone elements resonate with the region's geological history, and metal accents introduce textural diversity, creating a harmonious balance between various materials. This thoughtful selection not only supports structural integrity but also enriches the sensory experience of the site.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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