Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Memorial Library Featuring Geometric Concrete Forms and Natural Light Integration

Authors:
Patryk Krol, Mateusz Binkowski
Memorial Library Featuring Geometric Concrete Forms and Natural Light Integration

Project in-detail

A sanctuary of healing emerges with geometric concrete forms that reflect the impact of past tragedies while inviting natural light to nurture a multicultural library dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The library incorporates a "Bombing Room" that serves as both a memorial and a space for reflection.
02
Geometric concrete forms are designed to mirror the aftermath of explosions, emphasizing themes of resilience.
03
Perforated panels on the façade allow natural light to filter in while maintaining a sense of privacy.
04
Empty spaces within the library commemorate lost lives and encourage contemplation of past tragedies.
05
The diverse collection includes texts from various cultural perspectives, fostering an environment of dialogue and understanding.
The architectural project titled "Reconciliation" is a thoughtfully conceived multicultural library located in Casablanca, situated on a site marked by past tragedies from bombings in 2003 and 2007. This project is designed as a response to the trauma associated with these events, aiming to transform a place of grief into a beacon of understanding and education. It embodies a strong narrative of healing, community, and cultural dialogue, emphasizing the importance of comprehension among different beliefs.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to fostering learning and reconciliation. The building's function is dual-purpose: it serves as a library filled with texts from diverse religions and cultures, while also acting as a memorial space for the victims of terrorism. This intricate balance between remembrance and the promotion of knowledge reflects the overarching goal of nurturing empathy and respect across different ideological perspectives.

The design of the library integrates various architectural elements that contribute to both its aesthetic and functional success. The exterior features a façade comprised of perforated panels, allowing natural light to penetrate while providing a sense of security and enclosure. This layering creates a dynamic interaction between light and shadow throughout the day, enhancing the building's visual presence in its urban context.

The interior is characterized by a distinct arrangement that encourages contemplation and reflection. Central to the design is a "Bombing Room," which draws inspiration from the aftermath of explosions. Its geometric forms reflect disruption and resilience, creating a powerful spatial experience. This area is complemented by shelves that stretch from floor to ceiling, filled with literature that represents various cultural perspectives, thus reinforcing the library's mission as an educational resource.

An essential aspect of the project is its commitment to memorialization. Empty spaces within the library are dedicated to commemorating the loss of life and the impact of terrorism, serving as poignant reminders of the past. These elements are not merely decorative but serve a deeper purpose in creating a narrative that acknowledges history while looking towards a hopeful future.

The material choices for the project also play a significant role in expressing its core values. The use of concrete provides a sense of permanence and strength, while glass integrates transparency and openness, fostering connections between the indoor library environment and the outdoor context. Steel is employed in structural and decorative elements, contributing to the modern aesthetic, and wood adds warmth and a tactile quality to areas designed for reading and reflection.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its unique design approach. The architecture engages with sensitive societal issues and seeks to provide a platform for dialogue and interaction among varying cultural narratives. The building is designed not just as a physical space for books, but as a gathering place for people of different backgrounds to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another.

The "Reconciliation" project stands as a forward-looking architectural endeavor that encourages ongoing cultural exchange and understanding. By transforming a site of past trauma into a space that advocates for education and empathy, it reflects a progressive approach to community engagement within the architectural landscape. The project's design merges function with profound meaning, positioning the library as a crucial element in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas offers valuable insights into its innovative approach and conceptual underpinnings. The thoughtful integration of these elements within the architectural framework showcases how design can play a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation and cultural appreciation.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy