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Corten Steel Structures and Reflective Water Features in a Commemorative Memorial Design

Authors:
Tze Kang Wesley Fong, Bernadette Rui Ying Wee
Corten Steel Structures and Reflective Water Features in a Commemorative Memorial Design

Project in-detail

A sunken plaza adorned with Corten steel and reflective water features creates a contemplative space in Riga, commemorating a pivotal moment in Baltic history through thoughtful design and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Corten steel for both structural integrity and aesthetic resonance with the local landscape.
02
Incorporates reflective water features that enhance the contemplative atmosphere of the memorial.
03
Features a sunken plaza, creating an intimate space for visitors to engage with the memorial context.
04
Pathways are designed to evoke the historical human chain, symbolizing unity and movement.
05
Natural landscaping elements blend seamlessly with built structures, promoting environmental harmony.

## Overview
Located in Riga, Latvia, the Baltic Way Memorial commemorates the 1989 Baltic Way movement, where a significant portion of the population from the Baltic states participated in a peaceful demonstration advocating for freedom. The design of the memorial aims to honor this historical event while encouraging reflection on themes of unity and resilience.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout of the memorial is organized to create an immersive experience for visitors. It features a series of circular pathways that guide users through distinct areas designed for both reflection and interaction. The entrance serves as a communal gathering space enhanced by benches and exhibition areas, inviting dialogue about the site’s history. As users navigate through the main pathways, the flowing forms symbolize movement and inclusivity, while the sunken memorial area offers a tranquil environment for contemplation, complemented by water features that enhance the atmosphere. Strategically placed viewing platforms further engage visitors by providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, emphasizing connections between the past and present.

### Materiality
A deliberate selection of materials underpins the memorial's design, each chosen for their symbolic and practical implications. Concrete is utilized for foundational elements, symbolizing stability, while Corten steel serves as both structural and aesthetic components, representing resilience through its weathered appearance. Glass features prominently in viewing panels and facades, promoting transparency and connection with the landscape. The integration of natural landscaping introduces greenery that enhances users' experiences and creates a peaceful contrast to the urban setting. Water features, including reflective pools, act as focal points that evoke both tranquility and movement, reinforcing the memorial's themes of remembrance and hope.

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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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