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Journey Through Buried Spaces with Natural Light and Reflective Geometry

Authors:
Thanatcha Cholpradit, Paing Su Ko
Journey Through Buried Spaces with Natural Light and Reflective Geometry
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Buried sections of the columbarium create a unique dialogue with the landscape, while strategically placed openings allow natural light to enhance the geometry of reflective spaces designed for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Buried elements create a connection between the columbarium and the surrounding landscape.
02
Strategically placed openings allow natural light to illuminate reflective interior spaces.
03
The design features a long walkway that symbolizes the journey of grief.
04
Geometric forms provide a clear focus on the purpose of remembrance and contemplation.
05
A surrounding garden enhances the experience, offering views of the open sky.

The columbarium is designed to occupy a thoughtful space within its natural surroundings, providing a place for remembrance and quiet reflection. It serves a function that bridges the gap between life and death, offering visitors an opportunity to engage in contemplation. The overall design approach emphasizes the connection to the landscape, while introducing a new walking path that links to existing roadways and invites exploration.

Spatial Organization
The layout features a combination of geometric forms that help define the space. Circles prevail in the overall design, while rectangular openings create points of interest and allow light to enter. This clear arrangement ensures the columbarium functions as a place for reflection and grief, making it accessible and inviting for those who visit.

Integration with Nature
Sections of the columbarium are partially buried in the earth, while others extend upward towards the sky. This blend symbolizes the relationship between the living and those who have passed away. A gently sloping walkway leads visitors to the columbarium, encouraging a gradual transition into the experience of remembrance.

Natural Light and Atmosphere
Light plays a significant role inside the columbarium. The carefully positioned roof openings allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As the sun moves through the day, the changing light casts different patterns and shadows, enhancing the reflective experience for visitors. This connection to the outside world offers a sense of tranquility, promoting introspection.

Surrounding Garden Space
The columbarium is complemented by a garden designed to foster an intimate experience. This garden creates a peaceful setting for visitors, featuring greenery and space to ponder. With views of the open sky, it provides an escape from everyday life. The presence of trees and other natural elements enhances the relationship between the columbarium and its environment, inviting visitors to take a moment for themselves in a space dedicated to memory and honor.

The design integrates reflection and nature, creating an environment that encourages visitors to engage deeply with their thoughts and memories. Each element has a purpose, culminating in a serene place for remembrance.

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

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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.

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