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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

Project in-detail

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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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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