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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

Project in-detail

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.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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