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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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