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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Spaces for Communal Reflection

Author:
Xuanru Liu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Spaces for Communal Reflection

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive concrete surfaces, the design creates a reflective space that fosters community engagement and honors the complexities of remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint while providing structural support.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that allows for expansive interior spaces and natural light.
04
Designed with flexible pathways to facilitate personal reflection and community engagement.
05
Integrates lush greenery within the structure, promoting a connection to nature and enhancing the memorial experience.

The architectural project "Exist Side by Side" is located in Kensington, Melbourne, Australia. This design serves as a multifaceted approach to death, memorialization, and communal reflection. It seeks to create an environment conducive to engaging conversations about mortality, providing spaces for individual reflection and collective remembrance. The architecture envisions a departure from traditional memorials, promoting an inclusive atmosphere that embraces diverse cultural perspectives on death.

The primary function of "Exist Side by Side" is to facilitate a dialogue around death within an architectural framework. The layout consists of interconnected spaces designed for public engagement, personal contemplation, and the articulation of individual stories. It incorporates areas for gathering, memory installations, and pathways that guide visitors through the experience. This organization of space is aimed at enhancing interactions between users and the environment.

One of the unique aspects of this design is its sensitivity to cultural dimensions associated with grief and mourning. By fostering a space that welcomes diverse practices and beliefs, the project reflects a modern understanding of death as an integral part of life. The use of various materials, such as concrete, glass, wood, and steel, not only ensures structural integrity but also creates an inviting atmosphere. Concrete grounds the project, while glass enhances visibility and connection to nature, reinforcing the theme of openness. Wood adds warmth to the otherwise stark aesthetic, making the space feel more humanized.

The circulation pathways designed within "Exist Side by Side" further distinguish it from conventional memorials. These pathways are intentionally fluid, allowing for exploration and movement throughout the area. The inclusion of ramps and accessible routes emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all visitors can navigate the space comfortably. Natural light is another critical design component, with strategically placed openings that foster a constant interaction between the interior and the outdoors, thus creating dynamic visual experiences.

In summary, "Exist Side by Side" exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architecture and communal interaction regarding death. The unique design approach combines sensitivity to cultural contexts with a focus on individual narratives. The choice of materials and the spatial organization serve to reinforce the project’s overarching themes of remembrance and dialogue. Readers interested in a comprehensive understanding of this project are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs for deeper insights into its innovative concepts and execution.

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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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