Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Corten-Steel Walls and Reflective Surfaces Shape a Community Memorial

Authors:
Mariavittoria Bosi, Alvise Camuffo
Corten-Steel Walls and Reflective Surfaces Shape a Community Memorial

Project in-detail

Corten steel walls interweave with reflective surfaces to create a contemplative space that honors collective memory while facilitating community engagement through educational facilities and memorial pathways.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel construction reflects the memorial's historical significance and resilience.
02
The design incorporates uneven pathways that mimic the human chain formation.
03
Reflective surfaces enhance the surrounding landscape and promote introspection.
04
Educational facilities are integrated within the memorial to foster community engagement.
05
Seasonal landscaping adapts to the environment, enhancing the memorial's contemplative experience.

### Project Overview
The Baltic Way Memorial, known as "Concrete Chain," is located in Riga, Latvia, and is designed to honor the Baltic Way, a significant peaceful political demonstration on August 23, 1989, when approximately two million individuals formed a human chain across Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to advocate for independence from Soviet occupation. The intention behind this memorial is to transform a site of historical memory into an interactive public space that serves as both a memorial and a center for cultural education.

### Spatial Connectivity
The memorial’s design concept emphasizes spatial connectivity through the creation of distinct memorial paths that mirror the original route taken during the Baltic Way demonstration. These paths encourage reflection and exploration, allowing visitors to engage with the historical narrative in a meaningful way. Additionally, the inclusion of civic spaces, such as cafés and exhibition areas, fosters social interaction and transforms the site into a vibrant community hub. These features are integrated into the landscape, enhancing visitor experience while promoting a dialogue about history and collective memory.

### Material Usage and Architectural Features
Material selection is integral to the memorial's identity, utilizing concrete for its permanence, Corten steel for its historic resonance, glass for transparency, and wood to soften the environment. The architectural forms include dynamic elements such as angled walls and high ceilings, which generate open and inviting interiors while serving as focal points for remembrance. Notably, the design incorporates vertical structures resembling towers, symbolizing hope and aspiration, and enhancing the overall spatial experience. The memorial’s strategic placement near landmarks, such as the Riga Cathedral and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, underscores its contextual importance within the city's historical narrative.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy