Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Shingles and Concrete Formations Creating Reflective Spaces for Remembrance

Author:
Julianna Richard
Charred Shingles and Concrete Formations Creating Reflective Spaces for Remembrance

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and robust concrete formations, the design creates a contemplative environment that honors historical memory while inviting reflection and healing.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while symbolizing resilience.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency, reducing the environmental footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for distinctive spatial dynamics, creating varying heights and sightlines.
04
Strategic use of light and shadow emphasizes emotional interaction throughout the memorial.
05
The layout features interactive pathways that encourage personal reflection and engagement with the space.
The architectural project, a memorial titled "The Last Genocide Memorial," addresses the deeply impactful themes of memory and loss through a carefully considered design located in Donald G. Gordon Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. This project is not merely a physical structure; it serves as a poignant reminder of past atrocities while fostering a space for contemplation and healing. The architectural design ingeniously merges form and function, creating an environment that encourages personal reflection amid an atmosphere of somber remembrance.

The memorial's primary function is to honor the memories of victims of historical genocides, making it a place for commemoration. Each element of the architecture is designed with purpose, guiding visitors through a journey that evokes emotional responses connected to history. The spatial layout establishes a narrative that prompts individuals to engage physically and mentally with the themes, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications of genocide and the importance of remembrance.

One of the notable features of the design is its integration of light and shadow. The architect employs various design elements that manipulate natural light, creating pathways where illumination plays a critical role. As visitors move through the corridors, they experience a transition in both light quality and emotional weight, underscoring the gravity of the memorial's purpose. This interplay invites a contemplative mood, reinforcing the idea that memory is a nuanced and layered experience.

The choice of materials contributes significantly to the memorial’s overall atmosphere. Concrete forms the foundation of the structure, representing permanence and resilience, while steel is used for structural elements, providing strength and durability. Meanwhile, glass is incorporated to foster transparency, allowing light to filter into the spaces, connecting the interior with the exterior surroundings. Wood is also thoughtfully introduced in certain interactive components, adding warmth and inviting engagement.

The unique design approaches taken in the memorial extend beyond material choices. The layout is characterized by paths that navigate through various emotional landscapes, echoing the journey of remembrance. Elevation changes and viewing platforms create opportunities for reflections, allowing visitors to pause and engage with the memorial’s design actively. These platforms not only heighten the experience but also symbolize a broader viewpoint on the narratives being honored, bridging personal and collective histories.

Moreover, the memorial’s relationship with the surrounding landscape is a testament to thoughtful design. By situating the structure within a park setting, the design promotes a harmonious coexistence between nature and memory, suggesting themes of renewal amid remembrance. This connection to the natural environment encourages visitors to reflect on the ongoing dialogue between history and the present.

In analyzing the overall architectural design, it becomes evident that the memorial is more than just a physical structure; it stands as a thoughtful response to societal needs for acknowledgment and healing. Each element of the project has been meticulously crafted to serve its purpose while inviting individual and collective experiences. The incorporation of interactive spaces encourages visitors to engage deeply with the narratives and memories memorialized, creating an immersive experience that transcends conventional forms of commemoration.

For those interested in architectural plans and designs, exploring the details of "The Last Genocide Memorial" will provide a richer understanding of the project's intentions and execution. The architectural sections will reveal how the spaces are organized and how they interact with both visitors and the surrounding environment. Engaging with the architectural ideas behind this memorial opens avenues for discussion on the role of architecture in addressing complex historical narratives and serving the collective memory of society. Take the initiative to delve into the project presentation for a comprehensive overview and insight into this significant architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
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 16544 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