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Granite Prisms Shaping Memory in Reflective Courtyard

Author:
Todica Eduard-george
Granite Prisms Shaping Memory in Reflective Courtyard
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Granite prisms rise from the courtyard's center, casting light and shadow to evoke memory and loss, culminating in a contemplative space for reflection on historical events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Granite prisms vary in height to symbolize different scales of loss.
02
A central void allows natural light to illuminate the courtyard, enhancing reflection.
03
The kiln serves as a focal structure representing memory and connection.
04
The design integrates light and shadow to evoke emotional responses.
05
The arrangement encourages visitors to engage with historical narratives.

The design explores themes of historical events and collective memory through a carefully crafted environment. Set within a reflective landscape, it invites visitors to engage with concepts of loss and remembrance. The overall idea is to create an experience that acknowledges unrecognized lives while encouraging contemplation of past tragedies.

Entrance

The entry point, known as the “door,” serves as a bridge between the outside world and the interior narrative of historical acknowledgment. This initial space invites individuals into a journey of reflection and understanding. The design of the door encourages visitors to consider the significance of what lies beyond it, setting a reflective tone for the exploration ahead.

Courtyard

The courtyard is a central feature, distinguished by granite prisms of differing heights. These prisms represent tragedy on various scales and create a visual metaphor for the emotional weight of collective memory. Strategically arranged, they play with light and shadow, emphasizing the concept of time's permanence. The central void, illuminated by rays of light, evokes a sense of absence, prompting thought regarding those who have been overlooked.

Kiln

At the heart of the design is the kiln, a crucial structural element that encapsulates the relationship between life and loss. It acts as a focal point, reinforcing the theme of memory while underscoring the connections that continue beyond physical presence. The positioning of the kiln invites contemplation, encouraging visitors to reflect on the nature of remembrance and the significance of legacies left behind.

Materiality

Granite plays a key role in the design, especially within the courtyard's prisms. This material was selected for its strength and timeless quality, enhancing the exploration of memory and loss. The variations in prism heights create dynamic spaces that shift with natural light throughout the day, adding to the overall experience. The texture and solidity of granite serve as a reminder of the enduring impacts of history, fostering continued reflection on the narratives captured within the space.

The blend of light, shadow, and stone encapsulates the essence of memory, creating an atmosphere that reverberates throughout the environment.

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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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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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