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Concretized Contemplation in a Weighty Memorial Space

Author:
Georgia Sa
Concretized Contemplation in a Weighty Memorial Space

Project in-detail

The heavy concrete structure of this memorial disrupts conventional movement patterns with intersecting passageways, inviting visitors to engage in deep reflection on the weight of historical atrocities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Heavy concrete form enhances emotional weight and permanence.
02
Intersecting pathways symbolize breaking cycles of historical repetition.
03
Design invites contemplative movement and personal reflection.
04
Spatial layout fosters diverse visitor experiences and interactions.
05
Illumination at night highlights contours, creating a dynamic atmosphere.

The Last Genocide Memorial is designed to confront the cyclical nature of historical violence, particularly through the lens of genocide. Located in a reflective outdoor setting, the memorial serves as a space for remembrance and invites critical engagement with the past. The design concept centers on breaking the repetitive cycles of history. It introduces pedestrian pathways that disrupt traditional movement, encouraging visitors to interact meaningfully with their environment.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout includes intersecting pedestrian pathways that symbolize the idea of interruption. These passageways guide visitors through the memorial, creating an interactive environment. Movement within the space is intentional and reflective, allowing individuals to pause and consider the significance of the memorial. This organization offers multiple experiences, where visitors can engage with the themes personally.

Materials and Form

Concrete is the main material used in the memorial, noted for its heaviness and durability. This choice reflects the serious emotional weight of the topics it addresses. The permanence of concrete highlights the lasting impact of genocide on society, visually connecting the past to the present. The material choice reinforces the memorial's aim as a space for deep reflection.

Emotional Weight

The overall form of the structure contributes to an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. It surrounds visitors with a sense of gravity, focusing attention on both collective and personal memories of genocide. The design aims to create an immersive experience where the physical qualities of the space enhance emotional engagement with the historical narratives being honored.

At night, the memorial takes on a new character as subtle lighting reveals the contours of the concrete. This illuminated effect creates a backdrop that encourages different interpretations of the space. Shadows and light work together, inviting visitors to engage with the memorial from varied perspectives and fostering a dynamic understanding of its significance.

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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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