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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
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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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