Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Facades Creating a Reflection of Unity in a Commemorative Memorial

Authors:
Colin Chan, Jermaine Santos Bunoan, Sherlin Lin
Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Facades Creating a Reflection of Unity in a Commemorative Memorial

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and a steel facade intertwine to create a reflective space that honors the historical unity of the Baltic States while serving as a multifunctional memorial for public engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A sloped ramp ensures complete accessibility for all visitors.
04
Native plant landscaping creates a connection to local ecology.
05
Interactive exhibition spaces facilitate ongoing community education and engagement.
The Baltic Way Memorial is an architectural project dedicated to commemorating the historic event in 1989 when citizens across the Baltic States formed a human chain to protest against Soviet occupation. The design embodies collective memory, resilience, and civic engagement, serving both as a memorial and a multifunctional public space. The project illustrates the importance of community-driven historical remembrance while facilitating ongoing discourse about freedom and unity.

Memorial Design and Key Features

The memorial incorporates several key features that enhance its function as both a commemorative site and a public gathering space. The main entrance features a sloping ramp that encourages accessibility and invites visitors to engage with the memorial. This thoughtful design element promotes inclusivity and signifies openness.

Central to the project is the Baltic Garden, which integrates native flora to create a serene environment. This area fosters reflection and represents the cultural diversity of the Baltic nations. The incorporation of natural elements complements the architectural structure, promoting a harmonious relationship between built and natural environments.

An exhibition space is dedicated to educational purposes, housing displays and narratives related to the Baltic Way. This space serves as a platform for learning and interaction, allowing visitors to engage with the history and significance of the movement actively.

Additionally, the Memorial Square functions as the focal point for gatherings and commemorative events. It enhances community engagement and strengthens civic ties, enabling individuals to connect not only with the historical context but also with each other.

Unique Design Considerations

This project distinguishes itself through its integrative approach to memorialization. Rather than presenting a static structure, the Baltic Way Memorial emphasizes interaction and participation. Design elements such as the grandstand and public open spaces are strategically placed to facilitate a variety of communal activities and reflections.

The choice of materials further contributes to the architectural narrative. Concrete is used for its structural integrity, while steel elements symbolize resilience. The use of glass in the facades enhances transparency, drawing in natural light and allowing for visual connections between the interior spaces and the surrounding environment. Wood features prominently in the landscaping, adding warmth and a natural touch to the memorial’s overall aesthetic.

Overall, this architectural project serves as a significant representation of history, culture, and community. Through its thoughtful design and multifaceted spaces, it provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and engagement.

For further details on the Baltic Way Memorial, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which offers a more in-depth view of this important architectural achievement.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy