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Exploring Memory Through Vanishing Wall and Missing Circle in a Reflective Memorial

Authors:
Lindsay Cruddas, Manik Karunaratne, Joshua Bunce, Matthew Kempster
Exploring Memory Through Vanishing Wall and Missing Circle in a Reflective Memorial

Project in-detail

The integration of a vanishing wall and a missing circle creates a contemplative space that honors the memories of genocide victims, inviting reflection on history while serving as a memorial site.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vanishing wall aligns with solar events, emphasizing the passage of time.
02
Missing circle symbolizes the absence of forgotten memories.
03
Six columns represent continents affected by genocide and mass murder.
04
Statue of an unknown Tamil youth highlights specific historical context.
05
Design fosters reflection, encouraging visitors to engage with memory.

The concept of Vanishing Memory serves as a memorial focused on collective remembrance of genocides and mass murders. It is designed to evoke feelings of reflection and understanding regarding the tragic losses experienced by many. Positioned thoughtfully within its environment, the creation encourages visitors to connect with the past while emphasizing the importance of memory. The design combines architectural elements with meaningful themes, generating a space for education as well as commemoration.

Vanishing Wall

The vanishing wall is a key feature of the design, representing the fleeting nature of memory. It is aligned with the sun, marking both sunrise and sunset. This alignment connects the wall with the passage of time, highlighting the idea that memory fades as time goes on. The wall’s presence acts as a reminder of those whose stories may be forgotten, prompting a collective responsibility to honor their memory.



Missing Circle

Incorporated into the wall is a missing circle that signifies the absence of memories related to individuals lost in historical events. This gap in the design encourages visitors to think about the importance of remembrance. By showing the void left when memories fade, the circle asks people to consider the consequences of forgetting. It reinforces the need to acknowledge the suffering of others while reminding visitors of the impact that loss has on society.



Symbolic Columns

The design includes six columns, each representing a different continent where genocide and mass murder have occurred. These columns highlight the global nature of these tragedies, illustrating how they affect people in diverse places. Positioned throughout the memorial, the columns create a journey for visitors, inviting them to reflect on shared histories of pain and resilience. Each column acts as a reminder of the need to remember the stories from all corners of the world.



The Statue

At the center of the space stands a statue of an unknown Tamil youth, representing the struggles during Black July of 1983 in Sri Lanka. This statue brings attention to the harsh realities of ethnic violence and provides a specific historical context for visitors. The figure evokes empathy, allowing people to connect with the deep challenges faced by the Tamil community. It serves as a vital narrative within the memorial, reinforcing the need to remember those affected by such tragedy.



Textured surfaces throughout the memorial invite guests to engage with the space in various ways. The design elements are cohesive, creating an atmosphere that resonates with the theme of remembrance. This thoughtful integration of form and focus on memory offers a meaningful experience for all who visit.

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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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