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Light-Infused Memorial Creating Emotional Reflection on Historical Injustice

Authors:
Sudarat Sawanagjai, Sumita Chayalak
Light-Infused Memorial Creating Emotional Reflection on Historical Injustice
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Natural light enters the memorial through carefully designed openings, enhancing emotional connections while guiding visitors to reflect on the historical injustices faced by women accused of witchcraft.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is intentionally incorporated through openings that change the atmosphere throughout the day.
02
Narrative elements guide visitors through the history of the witch trials in a structured manner.
03
Educational panels provide context and provoke discussions about historical injustices.
04
The layout encourages personal reflection through distinct contemplative spaces.
05
The memorial’s design fosters an emotional connection to the past and its implications for today.

Located in Poitiers, France, the memorial is dedicated to the historical persecution of women accused of witchcraft. The design focuses on addressing the injustices these women faced and aims to create a space for reflection and education. By commemorating the lives lost, the memorial encourages visitors to engage with both the past and pressing social issues today.

Conceptual Framework

The framework of the memorial centers on the need to recognize historical wrongs while linking them to contemporary inequalities. Positioned in an area connected to the witch trials, the design encourages visitors to confront the narratives that shaped this challenging history. The goal is to foster a contemplative environment that allows for personal reflection on the implications of these events.

Spatial Organization

The layout features distinct areas that lead visitors on a journey of discovery. Each space is thoughtfully designed to promote moments of reflection and contemplation, inviting interaction with the history surrounding the witch trials. Informational panels and educational displays are integrated throughout the design, providing context and stimulating discussions about the injustices encountered by the victims.

Emotional Engagement

Creating an emotional response is a crucial aspect of the design. Rather than acting solely as a tribute, the memorial challenges visitors to confront uncomfortable realities of historical injustices. The flow of spaces and narratives is carefully planned to enhance this emotional connection, making the experience both meaningful and engaging.

In a notable design detail, the use of natural light is fundamental to the memorial's atmosphere. Strategically placed openings allow light to shift throughout the day, creating changing patterns of light and shadow. This dynamic interplay symbolizes the passage of time and the lasting impact of history on the present.

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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.

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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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