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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.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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