Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Iron Framework and Glass Transparency Shaping a Space for Reflection and Unity

Authors:
JUNG MINJI, Kwon Hyuk, Park Ji Hye
Iron Framework and Glass Transparency Shaping a Space for Reflection and Unity

Project in-detail

An intricate iron framework interlaces with expansive glass elements, creating a dynamic memorial space that reflects on history while inviting communal engagement and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project features an innovative iron framework that symbolizes resilience and strength.
02
Expansive glass elements create transparency, connecting the internal space with the surrounding environment.
03
The "Hope Road" pathway invites visitors to engage with the memorial while reflecting on historical significance.
04
Integrated exhibition areas facilitate educational displays, enhancing community interaction with the memorial’s narrative.
05
The surrounding landscape includes tranquil green spaces, promoting a sense of unity and contemplation among visitors.
The Baltic Way Memorial represents a significant architectural endeavor designed to commemorate the 1989 Baltic Way demonstration, a peaceful protest that spanned across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, uniting over two million individuals in their aspiration for independence from Soviet control. This project is proposed not just as a structure but as an emotional and historical anchor that encapsulates the journey of these nations towards freedom.

At its core, the memorial serves both as a place of remembrance and as a public space for engagement, drawing visitors into a dialogue about the past while offering a pathway for reflection and understanding. The design is intended to evoke the essence of the human chain that characterized the Baltic Way, thereby transforming a critical historical event into an architectural narrative that is accessible to all.

The architecture of the Baltic Way Memorial features a prominent iron framework, which symbolizes the resilience and strength of the Baltic peoples. This use of iron is significant, representing both durability and historical weight while forming a visible connection to the struggles endured in pursuit of independence. Complementing the iron structure is the extensive use of glass, which introduces a sense of transparency and openness, enabling an immediate connection with the surrounding environment. This duality not only highlights the memorial's physical presence but also invites a deeper exploration of its meanings and implications.

The spatial configuration of the design emphasizes movement and interaction. Visitors are guided along a meandering pathway known as the “Hope Road,” which is conceptually aligned with the routes taken during the protest. This pathway encourages immersive engagement, allowing visitors to traverse the space thoughtfully, while experiencing the unfolding narrative of the memorial. Alongside this, the exhibition areas integrated into the design provide platforms for educational displays, facilitating a deeper understanding of historical events and fostering meaningful discussions among attendees.

Unique design approaches are evident in the way the memorial integrates with its outdoor environment. The surrounding landscape enhances the experience by creating tranquil green spaces that invite both reflection and community gathering. This integration of nature into the architectural fabric is crucial, as it reinforces the memorial’s role as a public space rather than a mere monument. Visitors can sit, converse, and reflect, further enriching the atmosphere of remembrance.

The Baltic Way Memorial employs a thoughtful selection of materials that contribute to its overall message and functionality. In addition to iron and glass, concrete is utilized for the foundational structures and pathways, offering stability and continuity. Wood has been thoughtfully incorporated into seating areas and some internal features, introducing warmth to the overall austere aesthetic created by the metal and glass. This careful selection of materials not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the sensory experience of the memorial.

In summary, the Baltic Way Memorial stands as a meaningful contribution to architectural commemorations, blending the past with present-day reflections on freedom and unity. The innovative use of materials, attention to spatial interaction, and deep connection to historical significance all play vital roles in its overall design. For those curious to delve deeper into this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs can provide further insights into this compelling memorial. By engaging with these elements, visitors can appreciate the thoughtful ideas embedded in the architecture itself.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy