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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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