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Embracing Individual Narratives in a Meandering Columbarium Space

Author:
Taehun Ha
Embracing Individual Narratives in a Meandering Columbarium Space
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A thoughtful arrangement of four distinct spaces guides visitors through a meandering journey of reflection, where strategic urn placement and abundant natural light create a serene atmosphere for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Four distinct spaces create a unique navigational experience.
02
Natural light is integrated through openings to the sky.
03
Urn placement is designed to enhance personal reflection.
04
Multiple access points encourage community interaction.
05
The layout emphasizes a meandering journey through memory.

The design is centered on the idea of a columbarium that serves as a place for memories. It is situated in a quiet area that encourages reflection. The goal is to create a space where individual stories come together and allow for personal connections to be made. The overall plan includes four distinct areas that guide visitors through the space, promoting exploration and interaction.

Overall Layout

The layout is designed with both accessibility and intimacy in mind. Each of the four areas provides unique pathways that encourage movement and discovery. The urns are placed thoughtfully throughout the design, enhancing the reflective quality of the environment. Clear circulation routes on the second floor help visitors navigate smoothly between different parts of the structure.

Natural Light Integration

Allowing openness to the sky from the second floor is a key aspect of the design. This feature brings natural light into the interior, helping to create a calm atmosphere. The connection to the outside not only enriches the space but also fosters a sense of tranquility. Light plays an important role in making the environment feel inviting.

Spatial Narratives

A central theme of the design is the idea of a meandering journey, representing the varied paths of life that each person experiences. The arrangement of spaces encourages movement through moments of overlap and intersection, fostering connection. Some areas close in on themselves, creating private moments for personal reflection.

Community and Individuality

Access points from the North, South, East, and West improve the structure's connectivity. This design choice allows for a flow between personal niches and the wider community experience. It highlights the balance between individual stories and collective remembrance, offering a space for shared reflection.

The way light moves across the surfaces throughout the day enhances the contemplative nature of the columbarium, allowing for moments of stillness and thought.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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