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Emotional Reflection Through Weathering Steel and Stone in a Memorial Design

Author:
Nithya Rajasekar
Emotional Reflection Through Weathering Steel and Stone in a Memorial Design

Project in-detail

The juxtaposition of weathering steel and a towering standing stone creates a contemplative space that embodies collective grief while serving as a memorial for genocide.
5 key facts about this project
01
The memorial features a three-tiered structure to represent victims and perpetrators distinctly.
02
Victims are encapsulated in below-ground coffin-like enclosures to signify suffering.
03
Sculptures are intentionally scaled down to amplify narratives of inequality.
04
A towering 5.5-meter standing stone serves as a central landmark and symbolic grave marker.
05
The Wall of Cry embodies collective grief, etched with emotions tied to historical loss.

The Last Genocide Memorial is a space designed to evoke reflection and somber remembrance of the atrocities of genocide. Positioned in a thought-provoking location, it engages visitors in an emotional experience, urging them to confront the painful legacy it represents. The design focuses on the themes of loss, inequality, and the collective memory of those who suffered.

Structure and Levels

The memorial features a three-tiered structure that clearly distinguishes between the experiences of victims and their perpetrators. Victims are represented below ground level, where they are confined within structures resembling coffins. This deliberate choice emphasizes their immense suffering, creating a stark visual contrast with the upper levels that symbolize the tormentors.



Scale and Proportions

Sculptures of victims are intentionally crafted to be below human scale. This design choice highlights their diminished presence and underlines their narrative of inequality. In contrast, six elevated forms symbolize the perpetrators, rising above human scale to illustrate the power dynamics inherent in historical atrocities. This change in scale enhances the understanding of the unequal treatment experienced by individuals affected throughout history.



Central Elements

A significant feature of the memorial is a standing stone that reaches 5.5 meters in height. This stone serves as both a symbolic tombstone and a prominent landmark. It encapsulates the core message: "This is 'The Last Genocide'—let's not increase the count." The height and form of the stone contribute to the memorial’s overall impact, becoming a focal point for visitors.



Wall of Cry

The Wall of Cry reflects collective grief and sorrow, marking the loss of over 200 million lives. The emotions associated with these historical events are captured in the memorial's design. This aspect serves to anchor the visitor's experience in the profound narratives of loss, making the memorial a space of remembrance and reflection.



The standing stone's surface features intricate carvings, symbolizing the lasting nature of memory. These details invite closer examination, encouraging visitors to engage with the memorial's message on a deeper level. The architectural language of mourning is communicated powerfully through this design, making the experience of visiting both poignant and meaningful.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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