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Cylindrical Columns of Concrete and Reflective Water Features Enhance Contemplative Memorial Space

Authors:
Yuil Chang, Patrick Birkhoff, Sarah Dahmen
Cylindrical Columns of Concrete and Reflective Water Features Enhance Contemplative Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Cylindrical columns of concrete, adorned with brass inscriptions and encircling reflective water features, create a tranquil memorial space that invites contemplation and personal connection to the past.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical columns create a rhythmic arrangement that guides visitor movement through the space.
02
Brass panels are used for personalized inscriptions, adding a tangible connection to memories.
03
Reflective water features are strategically placed to enhance sensory engagement and calmness.
04
Natural landscaping incorporates seasonal flora, fostering an evolving connection with the environment.
05
The design promotes both individual reflection and communal gathering, ensuring diverse visitor experiences.
The "Columnarium" architectural project is a thoughtfully designed memorial space that serves as a contemporary columbarium, catering to the needs of remembrance in an increasingly urbanized world. This project aims to provide a serene environment where individuals can reflect on the lives of their loved ones, merging nature with the architectural elements to create a space that encourages contemplation and connection.

At its core, the "Columnarium" represents a significant departure from traditional memorial designs, focusing on a harmonious integration with the landscape. This project is characterized by cylindrical columns that serve as both structural components and niches for storing cremated remains. Each column is positioned to create an inviting rhythm, guiding visitors through the space while allowing for personal interactions with the memorialized individuals.

Functionally, the project operates as a versatile space for both individual reflection and collective gatherings. The arrangement of the columns is designed to facilitate ease of access while promoting a sense of community amongst visitors, inviting them to engage not only with the space itself but also with each other as they share memories. The layout includes reflective water features that enhance the ambiance, encouraging introspection while symbolizing the flow of life and the continuity of memory.

The materials chosen for this project are vital in establishing its character. Concrete is utilized for the columns, representing durability and permanence, while brass panels are thoughtfully integrated to add an elegant touch and provide a medium for inscribing names or messages, giving a personal essence to the memorial environment. Glass elements are employed to facilitate transparency and connection to the outdoors, allowing natural light to flow into the space, which further elevates the overall experience. Additionally, the incorporation of water features introduces a calming sensory element, combining sight and sound to create an atmosphere conducive to contemplation.

Unique design strategies are evident throughout the "Columnarium." One notable approach is its focus on creating visual continuity with the landscape. The project is skillfully woven into the surrounding environment, utilizing natural topography and existing vegetation to enhance its integration. The pathways that meander through the columns are designed to encourage exploration and reflection, leading visitors on a journey that is both physical and emotional. Seasonal changes in the landscape are embraced, with plantings that evolve over time, creating an ever-changing backdrop that invites return visits and continual engagement with the space.

Another distinctive aspect of this architectural design is its emphasis on communal and personal experiences. The central reflective pool serves as a focal point, drawing visitors together while providing a tranquil space for individual reflection. This pooling of visitors creates opportunities for shared experiences—whether through remembrance ceremonies or quiet contemplation—thereby fostering a sense of belonging within the memorial space.

The "Columnarium" project represents a modern interpretation of memorial architecture, addressing contemporary societal needs while honoring tradition. The careful selection of materials, combined with innovative design approaches, culminates in a space that respects the memories it holds while providing a tranquil retreat for visitors. Architecture in this context becomes an instrument of memory and reflection, skillfully blending the physical and emotional aspects of memorialization.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of this project further, the architectural plans, sections, and designs reveal a wealth of insight into the thoughtful execution of the "Columnarium." Engaging with these materials can enrich understanding and appreciation of the architectural ideas that underpin this compelling project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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