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Hovering Acrylic Memorial with Herb Beds and Bismuth Inspiration

Author:
Christina Grasser
Hovering Acrylic Memorial with Herb Beds and Bismuth Inspiration

Project in-detail

A hovering structure inspired by bismuth crystals serves as a memorial featuring herb beds and interactive elements, designed to honor the victims of witch hunts through education and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hovering design creates a sense of weightlessness, symbolizing the emotional weight of the memorial.
02
Bismuth crystal inspiration reflects transformation in both physical and spiritual realms.
03
Herb beds integrated throughout the site allow for interactive educational experiences.
04
Printed linen flags symbolize the freedom of victims' souls, adding a dynamic element.
05
QR codes provide direct access to historical information about herbal practices and the victims.

The memorial stands as a tribute to the victims of witch hunts, designed to evoke feelings of healing and remembrance. It is situated in an area that encourages reflection, with a layout that allows for interactive experiences. The overall design concept uses the pentagram, a geometric shape that organizes the space while inviting visitors to explore the themes of herbalism and its historical significance.

Geometric Structure

The layout of the memorial is centered around a pentagram, providing a clear structure for the different areas within the space. Each section is designed to enhance visitor engagement, allowing individuals to explore the medicinal and aromatic properties of herbs vital to the lives of healers and herbalists. This organization guides visitors through important narratives and connections between the past and present.

Symbolic Element

One of the distinctive features of the memorial is its hovering aspect, which draws inspiration from the layers of bismuth crystals. This design choice represents transformation and the journey between the physical and spiritual realms. The lightness of the structure contrasts with the serious themes it addresses, creating a visual and emotional connection that resonates with those who visit.

Material and Structural Integrity

Lightweight acrylic glass is used in the construction of the memorial. This material allows light to flow into the space, enhancing the experience for visitors. Wire ropes provide necessary support, ensuring that the structure maintains its hovering effect. This balance of transparency and stability contributes to a sense of openness, connecting the memorial's themes with its physical form.

Educational Integration

Printed linen flags add a lively element to the memorial, symbolizing the freedom of the souls being honored as they flutter in the breeze. QR codes are placed around the site to facilitate direct interaction with historical information. Visitors can learn about the individuals memorialized and the herbs central to their practices. This integration promotes a richer understanding of the narratives conveyed within the space.

The design culminates in a thoughtful arrangement where light and shadow interplay harmoniously. Transparent surfaces and moving flags create an engaging atmosphere, inviting visitors to consider the themes of history, healing, and memory in a deeply personal way.

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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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