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Exploring Translucent Glass Façades and Reinforced Concrete in a Community Memorial Environment

Authors:
Gonzalo Baldi, Martin Ariel Ciochini
Exploring Translucent Glass Façades and Reinforced Concrete in a Community Memorial Environment
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Translucent glass façades and reinforced concrete blend with native vegetation to create a memorial space that honors the collective history and resilience of the Baltic States.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass façades allow natural light to permeate the interiors while connecting spaces with the surrounding landscape.
02
Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, ensuring durability in varying environmental conditions.
03
Native vegetation is integrated into the design, symbolizing the cultural heritage of the Baltic States.
04
The Shadows Hall utilizes strategic light placement to create dynamic, immersive experiences for visitors.
05
Community gathering spaces encourage interaction and dialogue, fostering a connection among visitors.

## Overview

The Baltic Way Memorial, situated in the Baltic States, serves as a tribute to the sociopolitical struggles experienced by the nations in their pursuit of independence. The design concept integrates historical themes with a focus on visitor engagement. By creating a narrative that connects individuals to the events surrounding the Baltic Way, a significant peaceful protest in the region's history, the memorial seeks to foster reflection on identity and resilience.

## Spatial Organization and Experience

The memorial is structured around three thematic zones: History, Struggle, and Liberty. Each area is designed to guide visitors through a chronological journey, highlighting the key moments in the Baltic States' fight for freedom. The History zone features reflective spaces intended for remembrance of past hardships. The Struggle section combines landscaped areas with gathering spaces designed to encourage dialogue and interaction with nature. The final zone, Liberty, offers open green spaces that facilitate contemplation and relaxation, symbolizing the achievement of independence.

### Architectural Design and Materiality

The architectural form of the memorial is characterized by flowing lines that evoke a sense of unity, embodying the connections central to the region's pursuit of freedom. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity while glass elements enhance transparency, bridging the interior experiences with the surrounding environment. Wood is incorporated into benches and communal areas, adding warmth and creating tactile connections with nature. Landscaping features native plant species to celebrate the distinct identities of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania while promoting ecological sustainability.

### Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a core consideration in the project’s design. Green spaces are strategically incorporated to mitigate the carbon footprint, while solar panels provide renewable energy for lighting. Water retention systems are implemented to manage local resources effectively, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility alongside the historical narrative of the site.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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