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Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Sculptures Shaping Spaces for Collective Mourning

Authors:
Clarisse Empaynado, Sina Erol
Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Sculptures Shaping Spaces for Collective Mourning
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Charred wood shingles and reinforced concrete form sculptural elements that create adaptive spaces for reflection and collective mourning, inviting visitors to engage with the narrative of loss and memory.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized not only for aesthetic purposes but also for fire resistance and durability.
02
Reinforced concrete forms sculptural elements that enhance the memorial's visual impact and structural integrity.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are incorporated to promote sustainable building practices while ensuring flexibility in design.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial experiences, fostering both openness and intimacy in gathering areas.
05
Adaptive modularity of the elements encourages ongoing interaction and personalization of the memorial space.

The project titled "Objects of Mourning" embodies an architectural response to the themes of collective memory and trauma associated with genocide. Located in a specific, yet undisclosed context, the design serves multiple functions, focusing on spaces for individual and communal reflection. It comprises five distinct sculptural forms, which are distributed throughout the site to facilitate various interactions and gatherings. The layout is informed by a grid system that promotes accessibility and offers a structured environment for remembrance.

The architectural design integrates both public and private spaces, allowing for a range of experiences from solitary contemplation to collective mourning. Materials selected for the project, including reinforced concrete, wood, steel, and stone, inform its aesthetic and structural integrity. Each material has been chosen for its ability to resonate with the project’s themes, representing both the permanence of memory and the emotional nuances tied to grief.

Uniquely, this project emphasizes modular flexibility, enabling users to adapt the configuration of the objects according to their needs. This adaptability is a significant departure from more static memorials. Rather than establishing a fixed narrative, "Objects of Mourning" encourages ongoing interaction, allowing visitors to engage with the environment actively. The design promotes connections between individuals, fostering dialogue while also providing spaces for personal reflection.

The site plan and architectural sections illustrate how each element interacts within the landscape, creating a cohesive experience that addresses the complex emotions associated with mourning. The spatial arrangement encourages movement through different experiences, navigating between intimate settings and larger gathering spaces. The consideration of each sculptural form's function within the overall design underlines its role in the collective grieving process.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs in greater detail, a deeper examination of this project will provide valuable insights into its thoughtful approach and execution. Understanding the architectural ideas presented will enhance appreciation of how design can address human experiences and societal narratives.

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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
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