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Light Play and Natural Stone Form a Community Space Anchored in Collective Memory

Authors:
Eranga De Zoysa, Abhishek Wagle
Light Play and Natural Stone Form a Community Space Anchored in Collective Memory
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A unique roof shard captures light, while natural stone and reinforced concrete create an engaging space for community interaction and memory exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
A light-filtering stair tunnel serves as a symbolic connection between memory and community engagement.
02
The building's roof shard is designed to contrast conventional linear forms, inviting curiosity.
03
Natural stone integrates the structure with its geographical context, enhancing local identity.
04
Reinforced concrete provides a raw aesthetic that reflects resilience amid historical conflict.
05
An interactive Memory Matrix fosters user participation in recounting personal and collective histories.

## Project Overview

Located in Casablanca, Morocco, the Conteneur de Mémoire serves as a library and exhibition space that addresses the interconnections between conflict, memory, and cultural identity. The design integrates the complex histories of the region with contemporary architectural practices, creating a structure that functions as a repository for shared narratives and experiences.

## Materiality and Context

The material selection throughout the project plays a significant role in communicating its thematic intentions. Reinforced concrete establishes structural integrity while reflecting the raw, unfinished nature of reconstruction in conflict-affected areas. Glass elements enhance transparency, allowing natural light to illuminate the spaces, symbolizing openness and fostering engagement between the interior and the city. Steel features signify resilience, while natural stone evokes a tactile connection to the local landscape, anchoring the building firmly within its geographic context.

## Spatial Organization

The spatial arrangement is strategically designed to enhance the user experience and accommodate various functions. The ground floor features restaurant spaces and a Memory Matrix, facilitating communal interaction and the sharing of stories. The first floor combines office spaces, classrooms, an exhibition area, and conference facilities, allowing for multidisciplinary engagement with memory and education. The library on the second floor serves as the central hub of research and reflection, reinforcing the project's focus on collective memory.

A notable architectural feature, the stair tunnel, offers a poignant experience through dynamic light play, symbolizing transformation and hope. Additionally, the Roof Shard introduces visual contrast with its angular form, encouraging engagement and dialogue with the urban fabric of Casablanca while providing strategic viewing points that connect past narratives with present realities.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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.

The Next House: USA

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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