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Linen-Draped Spaces Embracing Solitude and Community Interaction

Authors:
Georgia Temush, Tim Schmidt, Bennet Harvey
Linen-Draped Spaces Embracing Solitude and Community Interaction
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Linen curtains diffuse natural light across narrow passageways, leading visitors from moments of solitude to a central hearth that fosters community engagement within a memorial space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Narrow passageways encourage personal journeys and interactions among visitors.
02
Linen curtains create dynamic lighting effects that change throughout the day.
03
A central hearth serves as a communal gathering point within the memorial.
04
The design incorporates water elements to promote reflection and tranquility.
05
A sloped roof frames an expansive horizon view, connecting visitors to the outside.

Home, Away is a project focused on building intergenerational connections within a memorial setting. It highlights the experiences of elderly individuals and encourages visitors to engage with these narratives. The design seeks to create a space where solitude and intimacy coexist, allowing for deep reflection and interaction. By inviting people to consider their own journeys, the project aims to foster understanding between generations.

Narrow passageways play a crucial role in the overall design. As two strangers navigate these routes, they encounter each other in a shared space. These passageways serve as a metaphor for the personal paths people take in life. The experience begins with a choice of passage, symbolizing the decisions that shape individual journeys.

The sloped roof frames a view of the horizon, adding a visual connection to the outside environment. This feature enhances the spatial experience, allowing a sense of openness. It encourages dialogue that extends beyond the structure, providing moments for contemplation inspired by the surrounding landscape.

Inside, linen curtains are significant elements. They diffuse light and create a play of shadows throughout the memorial. As visitors move, the atmosphere changes, enhancing the intimate nature of their experience. This shifting environment invites deeper reflection and personal connection to the themes presented.

At the heart of the design is a central hearth. This welcoming feature serves as a gathering point for visitors, fostering interaction and community. The warmth generated by the hearth symbolizes shared experiences and encourages people to connect with one another.

To exit, visitors follow a central pathway that was previously hidden behind curtains. This journey emphasizes the personal transformation during their time in the space. As they move forward, individuals carry a blend of solitude and shared understanding with them. The thoughtful design culminates in a meaningful experience, encouraging reflection on aging and community just before stepping back into the world outside.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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