Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bioluminescent Layers Intertwined with Ginkgo in a Reflective Healing Space

Authors:
Michael Ledbetter, Alireza Fatemi, Elmira Shojaei, Danielle Baker
Bioluminescent Layers Intertwined with Ginkgo in a Reflective Healing Space
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Intertwining bioluminescent layers and the resilience of Ginkgo trees, the memorial serves as a reflective healing space that addresses the themes of loss and recovery while fostering visitor engagement through interactive water features.
5 key facts about this project
01
The spheres contain bioluminescent microalgae that illuminate the space at night.
02
Interactive layers can generate electricity through spinning motion by visitors.
03
Energy-producing paving captures power from footfalls in the surrounding areas.
04
An algae bridge connects the memorial to a shallow reflective pool with dynamic water features.
05
Incorporation of Solfeggio frequencies in the soundscape promotes an atmosphere of healing.

The Last Genocide memorial stands on Queen's Street, addressing complex themes of loss, recovery, and remembrance. The concept revolves around envisioning a future where society has witnessed the Last Genocide. It aims to create a structure that positively contributes to both cultural and environmental spaces. The design invites visitors to engage with the history being commemorated through interactive and thoughtful elements.

Engagement and Interactivity

The memorial is designed for visibility, drawing the attention of both pedestrians and vehicles. It includes interactive features that invite visitors to actively explore. The layered structure encourages individuals to engage with the stories of genocide, promoting deeper connections to the experiences being honored. This approach enhances the educational aspect of the memorial.



Sustainable Power Features

At its core, the memorial features layers that rotate around a central column. This rotation produces energy, powering lights and audio components. The functional design ensures that the memorial can sustain itself while enhancing visitor interaction. The surrounding pavement includes energy-generating tiles that capture energy from footsteps, contributing to the overall energy needs as more people visit.



Water and Healing Elements

Water features are an essential part of the design, incorporating an algae bridge that spans a shallow pool. This interactive water element adds visual appeal and helps drown out nearby traffic noises, fostering a tranquil space for reflection. Bubblers and a weir create dynamic interactions, allowing visitors to engage with water in a way that symbolizes peace and renewal.



Educational and Cultural Significance

The structure of the sphere contains layers filled with bioluminescent microalgae, enhancing its visual experience while providing educational content. Text about various genocides is placed within translucent acrylic layers, with QR codes included for further exploration. This design supports remembrance while encouraging ongoing discussions about historical atrocities, establishing a valued space within the urban environment.



Within the garden, the Ginkgo Biloba tree is positioned as a symbol of resilience and growth. Its colorful autumn leaves amplify the memorial’s message, inviting visitors to reflect on both nature and the stories echoed within the structure.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy