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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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