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Light-Filled Space for Reflection Amidst Community Remembrance

Authors:
Javier antonio Contreras martinez, Apanco Gutiérrez Saúl Antonio, Max Flores Castañeda, Esmeralda Martínez Patricio
Light-Filled Space for Reflection Amidst Community Remembrance

Project in-detail

A memorial designed to harness natural light creates a reflective space for the community to engage with the memories of those lost during the Acteal massacre.
5 key facts about this project
01
Memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1997 Acteal massacre.
02
Design emphasizes the use of natural light to enhance emotional reflection.
03
Layout guides visitors through a journey of contemplation and connection.
04
Integrates features for intimate experiences with changing light conditions.
05
Focus on creating a peaceful atmosphere that balances remembrance and hope.

"Trace of an Endless Chase" is a memorial located in Acteal, Chiapas, that honors the indigenous people affected by the massacre of 1997. The design creates a space for reflection and remembrance, connecting visitors to the ongoing struggles of these communities. Central to the concept is the use of light, which shapes the atmosphere and invites a deeper engagement with the narratives presented within the memorial.

Spatial Organization
The memorial's layout is designed to guide visitors along a path of reflection. Each area encourages a personal connection with the surrounding environment and the emotional history it represents. This configuration creates opportunities for contemplation, allowing individuals to absorb the significance of the space as they navigate through it.

Light as a Design Element
Natural light plays a crucial role in the experience of the memorial. The thoughtful placement of openings allows sunlight to enter, creating an environment that feels open and inviting while also deeply introspective. The interaction of light and shadow within the space symbolizes hope amidst sorrow, helping to convey the complex emotions surrounding the memorial.

Material Considerations
While the presentation does not explicitly mention materials, the focus on light suggests a design that emphasizes transparency and openness. Features likely exist to enhance natural illumination within the memorial, fostering a connection between the interior and the outdoor environment. This thoughtful approach enhances the experience for visitors and reinforces themes of resilience and memory.

The design culminates in a careful balance of form and light, creating a space that invites reflection and honors the memories of those lost. The experience of walking through this memorial evokes a sense of peace, allowing visitors to engage with both history and hope.

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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

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