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Granite Blocks and Water Features Creating a Reflective Space for Remembrance

Author:
Nai Cheong Cheong
Granite Blocks and Water Features Creating a Reflective Space for Remembrance
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Granite blocks and a serene water fountain combine to create a reflective memorial that honors the victims of the Ellam Wars, providing a poignant space for remembrance and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Granite blocks symbolize lives lost, enhancing the memorial's cultural significance.
02
A water fountain serves as a central feature, promoting contemplation and tranquility.
03
The design follows Vastu Sastra principles, aligning the main tower to the east.
04
Synopses of the Ellam Wars are imprinted on the building's envelope, providing historical context.
05
The memorial integrates sharp swords as a visual metaphor for the pain endured during the conflicts.

The Last Genocide Memorial serves as a poignant tribute to the victims of the Ellam Wars. Located in a region rich in historical context, the memorial provides an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. The overall design concept captures the themes of trauma and loss, transforming the space into a narrative focused on destruction and survival. The structure's hierarchical form conveys the timeline of the conflicts, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the memorial's intent.

Design Concept

The design centers around the idea of representing loss and emotional weight. The shape of the building evokes a sense of mourning and respect, making a strong visual statement. Each phase of the Ellam Wars is embedded in the architecture, ensuring that the memories associated with those events are woven into the fabric of the space.



Material Considerations

RC concrete is the main material used, providing durability and a solid foundation for the memorial. The rough dark tiles that cover the base create a somber mood, suitable for the memorial’s purpose. Additionally, granite blocks are incorporated to symbolize the lives lost, connecting the design to cultural values and traditions.



Symbolic Elements

Several key features within the memorial convey themes of remembrance. Water elements are included to represent the tears shed by victims and to invite contemplation. Solid blocks symbolize the lives lost during the conflicts, creating a physical connection to the individuals affected. Sharp swords placed within the design serve as reminders of the pain experienced, enhancing the narrative throughout the memorial.



Narrative Integration

The memorial reinforces its message through the inclusion of brief synopses that detail the historical events. These accounts are integrated into the building's surface, allowing visitors to engage with the history directly. The main tower's alignment, which follows Vastu Sastra principles, contributes to the spiritual atmosphere, encouraging thoughtful reflection.



The water fountain, situated in the inner corner of the tower, serves as a focal point. It draws attention and provides a peaceful area for visitors to contemplate. Together, these design elements create a cohesive narrative that honors the memories of both individuals and the collective experience of the community.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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