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Exploring Dark Spaces Through Emotional Journeys in a Multi-Phase Memorial

Author:
Olga Terlecka
Exploring Dark Spaces Through Emotional Journeys in a Multi-Phase Memorial
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A multi-phase memorial encapsulates emotional journeys through darkness, ignorance, and education, inviting reflection on the complexities of hate while serving as a vital resource for learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
Entrance tunnel transitions from light to darkness, symbolizing the journey from ignorance.
02
Underground dome creates an immersive experience, heightening the emotional impact of confronting hate.
03
Above-ground pavilion serves as an educational resource with specific areas for lectures and research.
04
The design employs a three-phase layout to facilitate a coherent narrative for visitor engagement.
05
Each space is intentionally crafted to foster reflection and understanding of complex societal themes.

The design of the memorial is structured around three key phases: the entrance tunnel, the underground dome, and the above-ground pavilion. Located in a reflective environment, it seeks to explore the themes of hate and the path toward understanding. The overall design concept guides visitors through a sequential experience, highlighting the emotional shifts from ignorance to enlightenment.

Entrance Tunnel
The entrance tunnel represents ignorance. At first, it appears harmless, inviting visitors to enter with a sense of safety. However, as one moves deeper into the tunnel, the atmosphere changes. The lighting dims, and the space becomes more confined and darker, creating a sense of unease. This gradual transition serves to illustrate how ignorance can obscure more troubling realities, setting the stage for further reflection.


Underground Dome
When visitors emerge from the tunnel, they find themselves in the underground dome, which symbolizes hate. This part of the memorial is designed to be enveloping and disorienting. The darkness and oppressive form of the dome aim to evoke discomfort, prompting individuals to confront the harsh realities of hate. The shift from the relative safety of the tunnel to the weight of this space underscores the journey from ignorance to a more profound awareness of societal issues.


Above-Ground Pavilion
The above-ground pavilion represents the possibility of resolution and learning. It is divided into three areas, which serve educational functions, including lecture halls, a library, and a bookstore. The pavilion emphasizes the importance of education as a response to ignorance. It provides resources that can foster awareness and understanding among visitors. This aspect of the design reinforces the belief in knowledge’s power to combat hate, establishing the pavilion as a space for reflection and growth.


The layout details within the memorial not only convey a narrative of progression but also highlight the significance of learning. In the pavilion, the interaction of light and space aims to inspire visitors, creating an environment that encourages thought and contemplation. The experience evolves from the oppressive nature of the dome to the hopeful openness of the pavilion, framing education as a pathway to greater understanding.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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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