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Cobalt Mine Memorial Emphasizing Light and Reflection

Author:
Sangwon Cho
Cobalt Mine Memorial Emphasizing Light and Reflection

Project in-detail

Set within a former cobalt mine, the memorial integrates light and space to guide visitors on a reflective journey, honoring the memories of civilians lost during the Korean War while providing an educational platform for future generations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located within a historical cobalt mine, transforming a site of tragedy into a space for reflection.
02
The design incorporates a ramp that symbolizes the journey from darkness to light.
03
Features both horizontal galleries and vertical shafts adapted from the existing mine structure.
04
Includes a dedicated Learning Center focused on educating visitors about the Korean War.
05
Utilizes the mineral cobalt as a material link to the site’s historical context.

The Memorial for Korean Massacred in Mine Shaft is located at a former cobalt mine, a site that holds a significant connection to the tragic events of the Korean War. This memorial serves the dual purpose of remembrance and education. Its design emphasizes a journey from darkness to light, creating an engaging experience for visitors who come to reflect on the past.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the memorial utilizes strong directional elements to lead people through the space. Visitors enter the site and move from darker areas toward open, illuminated sections. The design makes use of both horizontal mine galleries and vertical shafts, adapting the existing structures to create areas for deeper reflection. This thoughtful arrangement of space not only honors those lost but also helps to convey the gravity of the historical events.

Metaphorical Pathway

Central to the design is a ramp that circles the mine shaft. This ramp acts as a vital pathway, directing visitors upward as they approach the memorial's heart. It represents a journey from confinement to a brighter future. As individuals ascend the ramp, they engage with the site's history, moving from feelings of sorrow into an uplifting atmosphere filled with hope. This transition encourages a personal connection to the memorial's intent.

Material Significance

Cobalt is mentioned in the design concept, linking the memorial to the historical context of the mine. While specific details about its use in the construction are not provided, cobalt carries the memory of wartime production. The mineral serves as a tangible reminder of the violence suffered by civilians during the Korean War, establishing a link between the past and the present that adds depth to the site.

Educational Component

The design includes a Learning Center aimed at educating visitors about the Korean War and its impact on civilian lives. By combining education with the memorial experience, the project promotes a better understanding of history and encourages conversations about the consequences of conflict. This blending of learning opportunities enriches the visit, making the memorial a place for both remembrance and exploration.

The careful design of the ramp, along with the play of light and space, allows each visitor to embark on their own journey. It culminates in a respectful and hopeful space dedicated to honoring the lives lost and fostering a dialogue about the significance of historical memory.

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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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