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Light Wells and Textured Stone Foster Reflection in Concrete Memorial Space

Author:
Julianna Richard
Light Wells and Textured Stone Foster Reflection in Concrete Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing light wells and textured stone, the memorial integrates reflective pathways and engaging soundscapes to create a space dedicated to remembrance and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates light wells that create dynamic lighting effects throughout the day.
02
Textured stone surfaces are selected to enhance tactile engagement with visitors.
03
A reflective pathway guides visitors through a journey of remembrance.
04
Engaging soundscapes enrich the memorial experience and emphasize community connection.
05
Green landscaping integrates native flora to reinforce the connection to the local environment.
The architectural design project, "The Last Genocide Memorial," is situated in Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. This project serves as a commemorative space dedicated to reflecting on the tragedies of genocide, addressing the emotional narratives of loss and memory. The design fosters an environment for remembrance, education, and community engagement, seeking to cultivate understanding and empathy towards affected communities.

The memorial incorporates a series of interconnected spaces designed to guide visitors through a reflective journey. Visitors commence their experience along a narrowing pathway, symbolizing the somber realities of historical tragedies. This initial constriction serves to evoke feelings of introspection and contemplation. The path gradually opens up into larger areas, allowing for moments of communal gathering and shared remembrance. The architectural design uses a combination of light and shadow to create varied atmospheres, enhancing the memorial's emotional impact.

Spatially, the interior layout consists of hallways, courtyards, and light wells. The narrow hallways lead to open courtyards, which encourage communal interaction and provide areas for reflection. Light wells are incorporated to allow natural light into the structure, creating a dynamic interplay between illumination and the surrounding materials. The materials selected include concrete, glass, steel, stone, and timber, each chosen for its tactile properties and symbolic significance, contributing to the memorial's overarching narrative.

Innovative design elements are central to the memorial's function and significance. The integration of soundscapes or recorded oral histories may serve to provide auditory elements that accompany the visual experience, deepening the emotional connection. The use of contrasting materials, such as heavy concrete alongside transparent glass, reflects the complex relationship between grief and healing. The architectural design emphasizes the importance of both individual experience and collective memory.

The memorial’s unique approach lies in its ability to blend architectural form with historical significance while fostering community interaction. It creates spaces for personal reflection and collective engagement, distinguishing itself from typical memorial designs. This thoughtful integration of spatial experience, materiality, and sensory elements invites visitors to engage deeply with the narratives of remembrance and resilience.

For further insights into "The Last Genocide Memorial," including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. Engaging with these materials will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas that inform its design and functionality.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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