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Charred Wood Cladding and Lattice Structures Create Community Hub for Cultural Reflection

Authors:
Francesco Pierazzi, Alberto Soria Santana, Barbora Bestakova
Charred Wood Cladding and Lattice Structures Create Community Hub for Cultural Reflection
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Exemplifying the use of charred wood cladding and intricate lattice structures, the memorial serves as a versatile community hub, fostering cultural reflection and engagement among visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainable construction methods.
03
Features a dual-faced design, balancing formality with an inviting atmosphere.
04
Integrates a community hub with flexible spaces for cultural activities and events.
05
Employs a lattice structure that symbolizes the interconnectedness of the Baltic nations.

### Overview
The Baltic Way Memorial is situated to commemorate the historic human chain formed by the Baltic States—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—on August 23, 1989. The design aims to encapsulate the collective memory and unity of the nations, creating a space that embodies resilience and cultural significance while fulfilling practical functions. The architectural approach emphasizes the themes of connection and communal solidarity, reflecting the importance of human experiences in its form.

### Spatial Organization
The spatial arrangement of the memorial encourages user interaction and engagement. Key areas include a café and souvenir space designed to invite visitors for moments of rest and reflection while fostering social interaction. The glass-enclosed café connects patrons visually and physically to the surrounding environment. Additionally, the exhibition space is dedicated to cultural and educational activities, serving as a platform for sharing narratives related to the memorial and promoting community involvement.

### Materiality and Environmental Impact
The material selection for the memorial enhances both functional performance and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include wooden panels arranged in a lattice formation, symbolizing the intertwined destinies of the Baltic nations, and transparent glass elements that ensure openness and natural light throughout the interior spaces. Reinforced concrete underpins the structure's durability, while steel components provide rigidity and safety. The incorporation of vibrant color treatments mirrors the flags of the Baltic States, contributing to the memorial's lively atmosphere. Furthermore, the project demonstrates an environmental consciousness through the use of local materials to minimize transport emissions, the integration of green spaces to support biodiversity, and an orientation that maximizes natural light, reducing reliance on artificial illumination.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

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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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