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Human Chain Structure Featuring Concrete and Glass Amidst Reflective Landscapes

Authors:
Hongcheol Kim, Taejoon Jung, Yongjun Park, Sihoon Choe
Human Chain Structure Featuring Concrete and Glass Amidst Reflective Landscapes

Project in-detail

The integration of slender columns and expansive glass facades creates a dynamic space that commemorates the Baltic Way, serving as a multifunctional center for education and public engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes slender columns to mimic the imagery of a human chain.
02
Expansive glass facades enhance transparency and connection with the surroundings.
03
Integrated landscaping creates an inviting open space for community interaction.
04
The architectural form incorporates elements that reflect historical narratives.
05
Concrete and steel construction ensures durability while maintaining a modern aesthetic.

### Overview
Located along 11th Novembra Krastmala, the project commemorates the Baltic Way, a peaceful demonstration in 1989 uniting the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania against Soviet rule. The design honors the historical significance of this event while integrating contemporary architectural principles and spatial configurations. It explores themes of freedom, unity, and resilience, providing functional spaces for exhibitions, educational programs, and memorial activities.

### Spatial Organization
The master plan features a linear arrangement that promotes functionality and visitor engagement. Key areas include equipped cafés, gift shops, and exhibition spaces designed for discourse and commemoration, complemented by central information centers providing context about the Baltic Way. Tall, slender columns punctuate the design, evoking the image of raised hands in a human chain and reinforcing the project's thematic essence. Pathways and corridors throughout the interior ensure a cohesive flow, allowing visitors to engage with the narrative of freedom and unity while fostering reflection.

### Material Selection
The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to convey its underlying conceptual framework. Concrete forms the structural framework, symbolizing permanence, while glass elements provide transparency and connection to the historical context. Steel contributes to the overall robustness of the structure, invoking industrial aesthetics, and green spaces are integrated to create a softening effect that engages with the surrounding landscape. These material choices not only facilitate construction but also enhance the emotional resonance of the space, linking historical narratives with contemporary architectural practice.

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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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