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Light-Infused Columbarium with Dynamic Wells for Reflection

Author:
Chunxin Yu
Light-Infused Columbarium with Dynamic Wells for Reflection
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Dynamic wells filter natural light into an underground columbarium, enhancing the reflective experience for visitors while offering a serene space for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wells allow natural light to penetrate deep into the underground space.
02
Columns are strategically positioned to create varying experiences of compression and expansion.
03
The entrance room provides a transitional moment before entering the memorial space.
04
A grid layout facilitates both circulation and privacy for visitors.
05
Elements above ground maintain a randomized arrangement to enhance discovery.

The Chamber of Memories serves as a reflective space designed for remembrance and contemplation. Located underground, the columbarium is intended to create a peaceful environment for individuals to connect with the memories of their loved ones. The overall design concept emphasizes the role of light, utilizing both natural and artificial sources to create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the experience of the space.

Lighting Approach

The design strategically incorporates light to highlight individual niches that hold the ashes of the deceased. Wells in the center of the columns allow natural light to reach the underground area, fostering a serene ambiance that encourages personal introspection. Additionally, artificial lighting is carefully integrated to maintain a soft glow, helping to preserve a respectful atmosphere throughout the memorial.

Spatial Layout

The spatial design employs a grid system, with columns positioned to create a balance between open spaces and more intimate areas. This arrangement facilitates movement while ensuring visitors can find privacy. The careful placement of these structures enhances the overall experience, allowing for meaningful connections to occur within the space.

Above and Below Ground Connection

Elements above ground function as an extension of the underground columbarium, arranged in an intentional but varied manner. This randomness prevents immediate recognition of what lies below, adding an element of surprise for visitors. The transition from the public space above to the more personal environment below supports a sense of separation and allows for deeper engagement.

Entrance and Transition Zones

At the rear of the site, the entrance room acts as the only sheltered area on the surface, serving as a space of transition from the outside world to the memorial. This area offers visitors a moment to pause and prepare themselves before descending into the more intimate setting below. It continues the idea of the surrounding landscape, providing a dedicated place for reflection and contemplation.

The design uses light and shadow to emphasize each niche within the memorial, inviting visitors to engage with the memories housed in this thoughtfully crafted environment.

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

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Competition organisers

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.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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