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Charred Wood and Concrete Synergy Creating a Reflective Space for Community Remembrance

Author:
Kyung Min Choi
Charred Wood and Concrete Synergy Creating a Reflective Space for Community Remembrance
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Combining charred wood elements with reinforced concrete, the design creates a contemplative environment that honors the complexities of displacement while fostering community engagement through flexible public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Combines charred wooden shingles with reinforced concrete for durability and aesthetic harmony.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes spatial adaptability for diverse community uses.
04
Integrates water elements to create contemplative spaces, symbolizing fluidity of identity and memory.
05
Employs modular components allowing future expansion and reconfiguration based on community needs.

The "Memorial for the Exiled City" is an architectural project located in Seoul, South Korea. It serves as a reflective space dedicated to honoring the stories of displacement within the historical context of the city. The design aims to resonate with the city’s layered identity, integrating elements that represent both the past and its contemporary urban challenges. This project functions as a memorial and community engagement area, fostering interaction and reflection among visitors.

The design incorporates various structural forms, reflecting both monumental and modular characteristics. Key features include large concrete forms that provide structural integrity while framing smaller, flexible spaces that adapt to different uses. An emphasis is placed on connectivity, with water features and landscaped areas seamlessly blending into the surrounding environment, creating pathways for both memory and movement.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the noteworthy aspects of this project is its juxtaposition of materials. Reinforced concrete is used for primary structures, symbolizing permanence and stability. This is balanced by the integration of glass and wood, which introduce transparency and warmth into the design. The use of steel allows for significant structural complexity, facilitating intricate connections that enhance the overall spatial experience.

The incorporation of water elements serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also a symbolic one, representing fluidity and change in identity. The design also focuses on creating flexible spaces that can accommodate various community activities, ensuring that the memorial remains relevant to current and future generations. This adaptability is a crucial design strategy, distinguishing it from many traditional memorials that often remain static over time.

Architectural Details

The project’s layout is thoughtfully arranged to promote exploration and reflection. Public gathering spaces are interspersed throughout the site, encouraging interaction among visitors. Key pathways connect different areas, facilitating movement and engagement with the memorial's various components. The arrangement of structures enhances visual ties to both the immediate context and the broader urban fabric, reinforcing a sense of belonging within the city’s narrative.

For those interested in understanding the finer aspects of this project, including its architectural plans and sections, a thorough examination of the presented architectural designs is recommended. This exploration will provide deeper insight into the architectural ideas that define the "Memorial for the Exiled City."

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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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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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