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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Glass Illuminate a Memorial Space for Unity and Reflection

Authors:
ALES JAVUREK, ALES JAVUREK
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Glass Illuminate a Memorial Space for Unity and Reflection

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and expansive glass façades create a reflective space that honors the spirit of unity, serving as a memorial and educational hub for communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid assembly and structural integrity.
03
The design incorporates expansive glass façades for natural lighting and outdoor connectivity.
04
A bent A-frame structure creates dynamic spatial experiences and enhances acoustics.
05
Community engagement areas are integrated to foster dialogue and educational activities.
The Baltic Way Memorial is an architectural project designed to honor the peaceful protests that characterized the 1989 demonstration where two million people joined hands to form a human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This memorial serves as a significant public gathering space, inviting reflection and education on the importance of solidarity and non-violent resistance for freedom.

The memorial is strategically situated to draw in visitors, utilizing both natural and built environments to create immersive experiences. It features a combination of layered volumes, optimized for public interaction. The design employs a mix of materials including concrete, glass, wood, and steel, each selected for their functional properties and symbolic meanings. The transparency of glass allows for natural light to flood the interior, while the use of concrete provides structural integrity that conveys permanence. Wood introduces a tactile element that fosters warmth and comfort within public spaces.

Unique Design Features and Functionality

The architectural layout emphasizes openness, with extensive communal areas that facilitate gatherings and discussions. The ground floor serves as an entry point, featuring expansive glass façades that connect interior spaces to the outdoors. This connection is intentional, symbolizing the unity established by the Baltic Way. Additional facilities like cafes and event spaces encourage community engagement and programmatic diversity, catering to various public needs.

The contemplative upper levels provide quieter areas for reflection, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that serve as a backdrop for personal contemplation or communal remembrance. The building’s orientation and materiality further enhance the memorial’s environmental integration, allowing it to harmonize with its setting while standing as a distinct architectural statement.

Architectural Significance and Educational Aspects

The Baltic Way Memorial stands out through its commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness. Thoughtful considerations of circulation paths ensure that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can experience the space fully. The design fosters a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship, encouraging visitors to engage with the grounds as well as the building itself. Shadows and light play across structures, enhancing the spatial experience throughout different times of the day.

This project prioritizes educational elements, with informative exhibits integrated within the design to narrate the history and significance of the Baltic Way. Architectural sections and plans highlight these educational spaces, demonstrating the project's dual purpose as both a memorial and a living educational resource.

For a deeper understanding of the Baltic Way Memorial, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements presented in the project documentation. Delve into the architectural ideas that shape this memorial, gaining insights into the thoughtful considerations that underpin its construction and function.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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