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Circular Reflections in Light and Water at a Memorial Space

Author:
Tang Mingjun
Circular Reflections in Light and Water at a Memorial Space

Project in-detail

The interplay of natural light and reflective water in this circular memorial space creates a tranquil environment for contemplation, offering a distinctive approach to honoring loved ones through its thoughtfully segmented landscape and underground columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design symbolizes the cycle of life and contributes to emotional reflection.
02
Integration of natural light enhances the underground columbarium's atmosphere.
03
Above-ground landscape provides a tranquil respite for visitors.
04
Distinct areas accommodate both individual and communal remembrance.
05
Water feature serves as a dynamic element, reflecting changing light.

The design integrates themes of life and death within a carefully planned environment. Located in a peaceful landscape, the structure serves as both a resting place and a memorial. Using the circle as a central symbol, the design reflects the cycle of life and aims to create an atmosphere that encourages reflection and connection.

Design Concept

The concept focuses on circulation, employing circular forms to represent continuity and the idea of reincarnation. This approach creates a space where visitors can engage in introspection and emotional processing. By merging the realities of life and death, the design fosters a setting that allows for contemplation and remembrance.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of two main areas: the above-ground landscape and the underground columbarium. The above-ground portion is designed to be a calm landscape where visitors can pause and enjoy the surroundings. This area emphasizes a connection with nature, helping to ease the sadness that often accompanies visits to memorials.

In contrast, the underground columbarium acts as a place for remembrance. It is organized into public and family sections to meet varying worship practices. This configuration supports different types of memorial services and gatherings, enhancing its role as a community space for honoring loved ones.

Light and Atmosphere

Consideration of light and atmosphere connects the two spaces. Natural light filters through the design, illuminating the underground area and reflecting off a central pool. This feature creates an ever-changing environment, where light and shadow interact in ways that enhance calmness. The inclusion of nature in the design is meant to provide comfort during meaningful moments of mourning.

As sunlight streams in, it casts soft patterns on the surfaces below. This invites visitors to pause and reflect in a peaceful atmosphere. The circular shapes in the architecture encourage visitors to contemplate life’s connections and the acceptance of loss.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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