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Living Landscape Featuring Stone and Flora-Integrated Memorial Paths

Authors:
Zi wei Teh, Abril Jiang
Living Landscape Featuring Stone and Flora-Integrated Memorial Paths

Project in-detail

Rooted in the embrace of nature with stone pathways intertwined with native flora, the design creates an immersive journey through reflective niches that honor life and memory within a community cemetery.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates traditional Latvian decorative patterns into its stone walls, enriching cultural significance.
02
Reflective niches of various sizes create diverse contemplative spaces throughout the cemetery, enhancing individual visitor experiences.
03
Living flora is strategically integrated within pathways, symbolizing growth and continuity alongside memorials.
04
Accessible routes are designed with anti-slip materials, ensuring safety and usability for all visitors regardless of mobility.
05
The layout encourages communal gatherings through a central open area, promoting shared remembrance practices among families.
The architectural project titled "Maze of Death and Life: A Cemetery Growing Out of the Ground" offers a unique interpretation of memorial space, prominently focusing on humanity's intricate relationship with mortality and remembrance. Positioned in an environment that may reflect the rich cultural heritage of Latvia, this cemetery takes a nuanced approach to design, transforming the experience of grief into a more profound engagement with life. The core concept revolves around a maze-like configuration that not only serves as a burial site but invites visitors to explore their emotions and memories associated with loss, intertwining them with the natural world.

The design draws upon the themes of growth and transformation, emphasizing the notion that life and death are interconnected. The project functions as a reflective space, facilitating the journey of grieving individuals through various pathways that guide them toward introspection. More than just a conventional cemetery, it embodies a living environment where the past meets the present, encouraging visitors to connect with both their memories and the living landscape.

One of the key features of the cemetery is its thoughtful materiality. The use of stone serves to ground the structure with a sense of permanence, symbolizing stability amid the myriad of emotions that come with loss. Complementing the stone is the use of concrete, which provides durability while allowing for innovative design possibilities. Glass elements are incorporated in specific niches, offering transparency that invites natural light, allowing the space to shift beautifully with the changing day. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the cemetery but also serve to convey deeper meanings of life, death, and memory.

The landscape design plays a pivotal role in the overall experience. Selected flora, including daisies, ivy, moss, oat trees, and white birch, is carefully integrated throughout the site, enriching the environment with life. The continuous growth of these plants not only beautifies the cemetery but also symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life in conjunction with the memories being honored. The architectural layout is intentional, creating a journey that reflects emotional states; visitors are led through different elevations and spaces that evoke contemplation and connection with nature.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of this project. The entrances and pathways are designed to accommodate visitors of all mobility levels, ensuring that everyone can engage with the space effectively. The anti-slip surfaces and varied gradient paths contribute to a safe and inviting atmosphere, encouraging exploration. This commitment to accessibility signifies an understanding of the diverse needs of the community the cemetery serves.

The design promotes interaction and involvement. Communal events such as the "Night of Candles" bring people together to participate actively in honoring their loved ones, turning the cemetery into a cultural hub that engages not only with individual grief but collective memory as well. This aspect enhances the modern interpretation of a cemetery, presenting it as a living space that fosters community connection beyond traditional boundaries of remembrance.

The maze concept itself is especially noteworthy. It encourages exploration and discovery, inviting visitors to navigate through winding paths that may reflect their personal journeys. The interplay between open spaces and intimate nooks fosters an environment conducive to quiet reflection or communal gatherings. The design allows for experiences that vary from solitary contemplation to social remembrance, appealing to a wide demographic of visitors.

In summary, "Maze of Death and Life: A Cemetery Growing Out of the Ground" is an architectural project that redefines the typical experience of a cemetery. Its thoughtful design integrates nature, communal spaces, and a reflective journey that resonates with the emotions surrounding loss. By emphasizing accessibility and fostering community connection, the project stands out in its design approach and architectural intent. To gain deeper insights into this exploration of modern memorial architecture, readers are encouraged to review the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas, providing a comprehensive view of this profound endeavor.
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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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