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Eternal Fire and Copper Accents in a Reflective Columbarium

Authors:
Kamila Kowal, Emanuela Skowrońska
Eternal Fire and Copper Accents in a Reflective Columbarium
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A sculpture of eternal fire made from copper marks the outdoor chapel, creating a focal point within a columbarium designed for reflection and remembrance in a forested cemetery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculpture of eternal fire made from copper provides a central focal point in the outdoor chapel.
02
Open-air pavilions allow for direct sunlight and views of the surrounding forest.
03
Flexible access niches promote personal engagement and interaction with the memorial spaces.
04
Strategic viewing axes enhance the connection between the columbarium and its natural surroundings.
05
Greenery incorporated within the pavilions fosters a serene atmosphere for reflection.

The Intertwined Columbarium is located within a tranquil forested cemetery, designed to serve as a space for memory and reflection. The overall concept highlights the connection between architecture and the natural world, encouraging visitors to engage with themes of life and the passage of time. The columbarium includes diverse burial options arranged within carefully designed pavilions, creating a calm environment for remembrance.

Tribute to Nature

The design focuses on blending with the surrounding landscape, featuring openings that frame views of trees and open areas. This approach allows natural light to fill the pavilions and encourages a sense of exploration. Each burial structure incorporates greenery that enhances the peaceful atmosphere, symbolizing the continuity of life and memory.

Burial Spaces

The columbarium comprises various types of burial pavilions, catering to a range of visitor preferences. Open-air pavilions lack roofs, enabling direct sunlight and views of the sky, allowing visitors to feel connected to nature. The niches in these spaces have flexible access options from both inside and outside, promoting personal interaction with the environment. Additionally, family burial spaces reflect a communal aspect of remembrance.

Contemplation Areas

The outdoor chapel acts as a dedicated space for quiet reflection, highlighted by a sculpture that represents eternal fire. This feature adds significance to the chapel, as it reflects light and conveys a sense of continuity. Separated from the columbarium by a body of water, the chapel provides a serene atmosphere conducive to contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to engage with nature and their memories of loved ones.

Axes and Views

Viewing axes are thoughtfully integrated throughout the design, helping to connect different areas of the site. The primary axis runs along the main pathway, while additional axes link various elements such as the outdoor chapel. This planning enhances exploration and contributes to the overall visitor experience.

The use of copper sheets in the sculpture emphasizes the thematic ideas of light and reflection, adding to the spiritual quality of the environment.

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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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