Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Disintegration of Gallows in Black and White: a Commentary on Societal Persecution

Authors:
Yiping Zhang, Yukun Wu
Disintegration of Gallows in Black and White: a Commentary on Societal Persecution
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Rooted in the concept of naraka, the design captures the disintegration of gallows through a sequence of panels, using black and white imagery to evoke a stark commentary on societal persecution and enduring prejudice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Panels depict the disintegration of gallows, emphasizing historical narratives.
02
Black and white imagery contrasts societal rejection with themes of suffering.
03
Inspired by the Buddhist concept of naraka, enhancing the project's depth.
04
Combines visual storytelling with critical commentary on persecution.
05
Encourages reflection on contemporary issues of prejudice and fear.

The project titled *The Gallows Fall into Naraka* explores the themes of historical and contemporary witch hunts through its design. It is rooted in the concept of naraka, a Buddhist perspective on hell, where sinners are bound and face disintegration. The gallows serve as a potent symbol of societal rejection and the collective suffering stemming from prejudice and fear. This exploration encourages reflection on the emotional aspects of these historical narratives and their relevance today.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of the design, a series of panels illustrate the gradual disintegration of gallows. Each panel represents a different stage in this breakdown, emphasizing both loss and the lasting impact of historical injustices. This visual narrative draws attention to the emotional weight of past events and invites consideration of their relevance in modern society.

Imagery and Visual Impact

The visual elements used in this project are direct and confrontational, engaging observers with the themes presented. The gallows act as metaphors for persecution, revealing the roles of jealousy, fear, and the rejection of those deemed different. Such imagery compels viewers to confront the ongoing realities of violence and discrimination, issues that resonate across cultures and time periods.

Cultural and Philosophical Dimensions

The design is further enriched by references to Buddhist thought, providing a deeper context for the historical narratives it addresses. This inclusion prompts reflection on moral and ethical responsibilities in the face of societal injustices. It creates space for engagement with complex themes while encouraging a critical view of past and present human actions.

The detailed depiction of the gallows and their state of decay enhances the connection between the viewer and the historical context. By drawing attention to the fragile nature of human constructs, the design reinforces its message about the enduring consequences of societal behavior.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

Media, partners and clients

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