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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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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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