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Exploring Historical Trauma Through Black Gallows and Disintegrating Forms

Authors:
Yiping Zhang, Yukun Wu
Exploring Historical Trauma Through Black Gallows and Disintegrating Forms

Project in-detail

The black gallows, envisioned as symbols of historical trauma, transform into forms of disintegration that challenge societal perceptions of violence while serving as a reflective space for contemplation and understanding.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates black gallows to symbolize historical injustice and societal violence.
02
The design emphasizes disintegration as a theme, reflecting on the cyclical nature of violence.
03
Numerous gallows are layered to create a sense of depth and complexity in the narrative.
04
It serves as a contemplative space that invites reflection on contemporary social issues.
05
The architectural elements are crafted to evoke feelings of decay and transformation.

"The Gallows Fall into Naraka" explores themes of historical injustice and societal violence through its design. Rooted in the concept of Naraka, a Buddhist hell where sinners face punishment, the work serves as a reflection on the witch hunts of the past. By incorporating gallows as significant design elements, the piece invites viewers to engage with the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences that arise from exclusion.

Conceptual Framework

The design encompasses numerous gallows, each representing the witch-hunt movement that led to widespread persecution. These structures act as visual focal points, connecting past injustices to present societal issues. By highlighting the brutality of history, the work prompts viewers to consider how these themes of rejection and discrimination still exist today.

Disintegration as a Theme

An important aspect of the design is the portrayal of disintegration, where the gallows are shown in various stages of decay. This representation emphasizes the self-destructive nature of societal violence. The layered architectural elements evoke a sense of deterioration and loss, reinforcing the narrative surrounding each gallows and its implications on humanity.

Material Implications

While the specific materials used in the construction are not detailed, the design suggests an emphasis on elements that highlight decay and change. It is expected that the choice of materials will support the broader themes of loss, allowing the work to communicate its message effectively while contributing to its overall visual impact.

The design intricately layers its visual elements, leading to a composition that evokes a sense of history and invites viewers to reflect on the persistence of these themes in contemporary society. Through careful consideration of form and symbolism, the project becomes a powerful reminder of humanity's ongoing struggles.

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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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