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Fragmented Forms of Concrete and Metal Panels Create a Reflective Space for Remembrance and Healing

Authors:
Jiaqi Yi, Karina Leong, Jeremy Chan
Fragmented Forms of Concrete and Metal Panels Create a Reflective Space for Remembrance and Healing

Project in-detail

Triangular concrete forms and reflective metal panels intertwine to create a contemplative memorial space that honors the complexity of past atrocities while fostering education and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes triangular concrete forms to symbolize the fragmentation of history.
02
Integrates reflective metal panels to enhance interaction with natural light.
03
Incorporates a narrative approach, allowing audience engagement through engraved stories.
04
Positioned within a landscaped environment to connect with the community.
05
Employs prefabricated elements to ensure efficient construction and sustainability.
The R.A.W memorial is an architectural project designed to commemorate the victims of genocide while fostering education and reflection. The structure employs a contemporary architectural language, consisting of a series of interconnected forms that evoke both fragmentation and unity. The design serves as a narrative space, allowing visitors to engage with the somber histories associated with genocides globally, thereby promoting awareness and empathy.

The memorial is characterized by its innovative use of materials and geometric configurations. The primary materials utilized are prefabricated concrete and metallic elements, chosen for their structural integrity and aesthetic quality. The concrete is shaped into triangular forms and smooth cladding surfaces, which create a visually dynamic environment. The metallic panels add a reflective quality that engages with light, creating a transformative experience as visitors traverse the space.

Unique Geometric Configurations
A key aspect of the R.A.W memorial's design is its unique geometric configurations. Rather than using conventional linear arrangements, the architect employed shattered triangular forms that symbolize the broken narratives of genocide victims. Each triangular facet functions not only as a structural element but also as a storytelling surface, allowing narratives and inscriptions to be integrated into the design. This method allows the project to transcend typical memorial designs by transforming abstract shapes into meaningful symbols of resilience and loss.

The inclusion of curvature in the design contributes a significant aesthetic and emotional dimension. Curved elements are strategically placed to represent a journey towards healing and liberation, offering a visual contrast to the starkness often associated with memorials. This design approach enhances visitor engagement by guiding them through a path of remembrance, encouraging exploration and interaction not just with the structure, but with the stories it embodies.

Architectural Interaction and Engagement
The architectural design of the R.A.W memorial emphasizes engagement through interactive elements. The narrative panels, integrated throughout the structure, facilitate varying depths of understanding according to the audience's background. This thoughtful design allows individuals of all ages to connect with the history being commemorated, making the memorial both an educational facility and a contemplative space.

Integration with Nature is also a crucial aspect, as the memorial is situated within a broader green landscape. This positioning invites community interaction and highlights the continuity of life in proximity to the solemnity of the memorial. The relationship between constructed space and natural context provides an added layer of meaning, representing the resilience of humanity amidst past atrocities.

For additional insights into the R.A.W memorial, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that further detail its conceptual framework and functional intentions.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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