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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
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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.

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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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