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Concrete Niches and Enclosed Garden for Contemplation

Authors:
Muhammad Alam, Raymin Sidhar, Carl Xavier Jules Caliva, Morgan Staples
Concrete Niches and Enclosed Garden for Contemplation
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Surrounded by an enclosed garden, the columbarium's board-formed concrete niches provide a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enclosed garden offers protection and solitude for reflection.
02
Niches are crafted with board-formed concrete for a tactile finish.
03
Natural light is strategically designed to enhance the environment.
04
Intimate layout fosters personal connections to the deceased.
05
Design emphasizes a seamless integration of nature and architecture.

The Passage offers a thoughtful approach to the concept of life after death, promoting an environment that encourages reflection and calm. Set within a peaceful landscape, the design blends the lively essence of an enclosed garden with the dignity of a columbarium. The project is crafted to guide visitors through a meaningful experience as they interact with themes of memory and loss.

Enclosed Garden

At the center of The Passage is an enclosed garden designed to provide a safe space for visitors. This garden stands apart from the outside world, creating a tranquil retreat filled with greenery. The layout invites individuals to pause and find comfort among the plants and soft pathways. It serves as a contrast to the often overwhelming feelings associated with loss.

Columbarium Design

The columbarium is a key element of the design, intentionally arranged to allow natural light to flow in. This design choice presents an open feeling while highlighting the niches for the deceased. Moving through the columbarium, visitors encounter spaces that feel personal and intimate, fostering a connection to those who have passed away. Each niche is placed thoughtfully to ensure respect and remembrance.

Light Interaction

Light is an important part of the atmosphere in The Passage. It enters through large openings, illuminating the passageway and niches. This creates a changeable environment that feels different at various times of the day. The effect of light adds depth and helps to establish an emotional setting, enhancing the reflective nature of the space.

Architectural Materials

The Passage makes use of board-formed concrete walls around the niches. This choice of material supports a sense of simplicity and strength while remaining respectful. The texture of the concrete plays a significant role in creating an inviting and enduring presence. This material selection enhances the overall experience, encouraging visitors to engage with the space meaningfully.

The design carefully accommodates the interplay of light and material features, ending with elements that invite contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to connect with thoughts of memory and mourning as they navigate through The Passage.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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