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Jagged Concrete Panels Interacting with Light Create a Reflective Space for Remembrance

Authors:
Jiaqi Yi, Karina Leong, Jeremy Chan
Jagged Concrete Panels Interacting with Light Create a Reflective Space for Remembrance
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Jagged concrete panels that interact with natural light form a reflective space for remembrance, inviting visitors to engage with the complex narratives of genocide while fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Jagged panels symbolize fragmented memories and human tragedies.
02
Natural light filters through slits, enhancing the emotional atmosphere.
03
Curved shapes represent wind, symbolizing liberation from hatred.
04
Engravings cater to diverse age groups for an educational experience.
05
The semi-enclosed layout fosters deep reflection and contemplation.

R.A.W - Remember, Aware, Witness is a memorial dedicated to the victims of genocide, designed to create a space for reflection and education. It emphasizes the importance of understanding past atrocities while encouraging discussions about human rights. The memorial invites visitors to engage with powerful themes of memory and resilience through its thoughtful architectural elements.

Structural Form

The design consists of four jagged concrete panels that convey an emotional response to the serious subject matter. These panels represent fragmented memories and the tragedies of countless individuals throughout history. The sharp forms create a semi-enclosed area where visitors can reflect on their surroundings and connect with the weight of the memorial.

Light and Atmosphere

Light is an important feature of R.A.W. Slits between the concrete panels allow natural sunlight to enter, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow within the space. This effect adds depth and complexity, symbolizing hope in contrast to the memorial's somber messages. The gentle filtering of light enhances the atmosphere, guiding visitors as they move through the memorial.

Narrative Engagement

Imagery and descriptive text are incorporated into the design, transforming the memorial into an educational experience. The engravings on the panels cater to various age groups, making the information accessible to all visitors. This focus on narrative supports the memorial's intention to inspire conversations about historical injustices and to connect visitors with both the past and present.

Reflective Experience

The curved shape of each panel symbolizes wind, reflecting themes of liberation and renewal. This design invites visitors to interact with the space in both a physical and emotional way. As people walk through the memorial, they see their own reflections in the panels, deepening their experience of contemplation. This detail serves to reinforce the memorial's message and create a lasting impact on those who visit.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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