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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

Project in-detail

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 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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