Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Light-Filled Memorial Reflecting Historical Resilience

Authors:
Javier antonio Contreras martinez, Apanco Gutiérrez Saúl Antonio, Max Flores Castañeda, Esmeralda Martínez Patricio
Light-Filled Memorial Reflecting Historical Resilience

Project in-detail

A memorial designed to harness natural light and foster reflection, honoring the memory of victims while addressing the ongoing plight of Indigenous communities in Chiapas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light is a central design element, creating a reflective atmosphere throughout the memorial.
02
The spatial layout guides visitors on a journey through different areas of remembrance.
03
Natural surroundings are integrated to enhance the memorial's connection to the environment.
04
Design addresses the specific historical context of the Acteal massacre and ongoing Indigenous issues.
05
The structure aims to foster a sense of healing and resilience among visitors.

"TRACE OF AN ENDLESS CHASE" is a memorial located in Acteal, Chiapas. It addresses the ongoing persecution of Indigenous people in the region while commemorating the massacre of 49 innocent victims that occurred in 1997. The design focuses on the use of light to create an environment that encourages reflection. The project aims to honor the memories of those lost while inviting visitors to engage with the historical context.

Architectural Concept

The central idea of the memorial revolves around the manipulation of light. This choice is not just about aesthetics; it symbolizes themes of hope and endurance. The design invites visitors to connect with the stories of those who suffered. Its openness and transparency allow for an experience that deepens understanding of the complex history surrounding the site.

Spatial Organization

The layout is thoughtfully organized to promote movement and interaction among visitors. As people move through the space, they encounter different areas dedicated to remembrance. Each transition is designed to engage visitors, encouraging quiet reflection on the history and significance of the massacre. This careful arrangement helps to create a dialogue about the challenges faced by Indigenous communities today.

Landscape Integration

Although specific materials are not mentioned, the design suggests a simple aesthetic that complements the natural surroundings. The connection between the memorial and the landscape enhances the reflective experience for visitors. This integration emphasizes a theme of resilience, allowing people to feel a part of the environment and history.

Light fills the spaces, creating an atmosphere that encourages contemplation. The design invites visitors to reflect on the past while experiencing a sense of peace among the memorial's somber message.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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 17,725 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