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Cascading Water Features Enhancing Concrete Facades in a Circular Columbarium Space

Author:
Tang Mingjun
Cascading Water Features Enhancing Concrete Facades in a Circular Columbarium Space

Project in-detail

A circular columbarium adorned with cascading water features and complemented by robust concrete facades creates a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
The columbarium's circular layout symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death.
02
Cascading water features provide auditory serenity and enhance the reflective atmosphere.
03
Robust concrete facades offer durability while integrating seamlessly with surrounding landscapes.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass elements, fostering a sense of openness.
05
Intimate niches coexist with communal spaces, blending privacy with community remembrance.
This architectural project is a carefully conceived memorial space that thoughtfully represents the cycle of life, death, and the intricate transitions between these states. Located in a serene natural environment, the design emphasizes a tranquil setting intended for reflection and remembrance. The architecture is not only a physical space but a conceptual framework that invites visitors to engage with their own experiences surrounding life and loss.

The project functions primarily as a memorial venue, providing a space for both private contemplation and public ceremonies. It is designed to accommodate a diversity of gatherings, ranging from intimate memorial services to larger commemorative events. The layout reflects a profound consideration for the emotional journey of visitors, facilitating a natural flow from one experience to another. As individuals will move through different zones, they will encounter areas dedicated to celebration as well as those meant for quiet reflection, highlighting the duality of remembrance.

Central to the design scheme is the circular layout, which symbolizes the cyclic nature of existence. This form is not just a formal choice, but an embodiment of the themes the project seeks to explore. Each element of the design plays a vital role in creating an immersive environment. The columbarium serves as the heart of the project, featuring both private niches and communal spaces, encouraging visitors to share in collective remembrance while still allowing for personal reflection. This careful balance of privacy and community underlines the importance of both personal experiences and shared narratives in the face of loss.

The use of materials is another important aspect that enhances the overall architectural experience. Concrete forms the primary structural basis of the project, selected for its durability and purposeful aesthetic. Glass surfaces introduce ample natural light, promoting transparency and a connection to the surrounding environment. The thoughtful incorporation of wood provides warmth and a tactile quality, making the space inviting. Stone is used to create pathways and structural elements that ground the design, ensuring a sense of permanence within the memorial experience. Additionally, water features are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, providing soothing sounds and visual focal points that contribute to a serene atmosphere.

The project is characterized by its unique approach to design, setting it apart from traditional memorial spaces. The emphasis on nature is a vital consideration, as extensive green areas invite engagement with the environment, encouraging biodiversity and ecological interaction. This design choice enhances the physical and emotional landscape of the memorial, promoting healing and contemplation. The circular and organic geometry utilized throughout the project challenges conventional rectangular layouts, fostering an experience that feels both innovative and harmonious.

Flexibility is another noteworthy element of the design. The various spaces crafted within the memorial cater to a range of activities, allowing the architecture to adapt to the needs of its users. This adaptability recognizes the multiplicity of experiences associated with memorialization and accommodates diverse practices of remembrance. Moreover, the sensory engagement inherent in the architecture—radiating through varied textures, changing light conditions, and the meditative sounds of water—ensures a holistic encounter with the memorial space.

For those interested in diving deeper into this architectural project, examining the architectural plans, sections, and details of the design will yield further insights into its thoughtful composition and innovative approaches. This memorial space stands as a testament to a refined architectural vision that marries function with compassionate design, encouraging exploration and connection within its beautifully crafted environment. It invites visitors to reflect not just on grief but also on the continuity of life and the connections that endure.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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