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Curved Niches and White Gravel Shaping a Reflective Memorial Space

Authors:
Thanatorn Namsrithan, Sirut Reinhard Huehne, Pitiwat Thitiyaphat
Curved Niches and White Gravel Shaping a Reflective Memorial Space
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Curved niches arranged within a sunken columbarium and bordered by white gravel create a contemplative space that facilitates reflection and community gatherings, honoring the cultural significance of remembrance in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
sunken design enhances privacy and reduces noise.
02
curved niches foster community connection and personal reflection.
03
white gravel pathways improve nighttime visibility and accessibility.
04
integrated cultural events allow for community engagement.
05
natural surroundings honor Latvian traditions and heritage.

Miera Siena, also known as The Chamber of Memories, is situated in a peaceful forest landscape in Latvia. It serves as a space for contemplation, combining themes of life, death, and nature in a way that reflects local cultural values. The design aims to create a sanctuary allowing visitors to connect with their surroundings while honoring those who have passed away.

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The layout includes a sunken columbarium that separates the interior from its surroundings. This lowering of the space helps maintain harmony with the natural environment. The design resembles a plaza, allowing it to serve multiple functions. Courtyards, hills, and tree lines surround the area, creating an inviting atmosphere. This thoughtful relationship to the nearby old cemetery enriches the site's cultural narrative, transforming the space into more than a memorial.

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Niches are arranged in a gentle curve, promoting a sense of community among visitors while providing individual privacy. This vertical stacking of niches answers the need for quiet reflection. It allows visitors to engage in their thoughts without distraction. The design pays respect to Latvian traditions, connecting the space to a rich cultural heritage and offering meaningful opportunities for remembrance.

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The versatile space accommodates various activities, such as cultural events like the Kapuswaki Festival and Midsomma Festival. The original mound has been shaped to create seating that functions like an auditorium, encouraging community interaction. This approach expands the role of the site beyond that of a typical cemetery, making it an important community resource.

The design incorporates bright materials to ensure safety during nighttime. This contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. While the specific materials are not extensively detailed, the use of white gravel for pathways bordered by larger natural stones reinforces the connection to the surrounding landscape, creating an accessible and inviting environment.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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