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Memorial Walls of Natural Stone With Reflective Water Features Engaging Community Remembrance Through Concrete and Glass

Authors:
Mustafa Gaber, Zohear Abughalyuon
Memorial Walls of Natural Stone With Reflective Water Features Engaging Community Remembrance Through Concrete and Glass

Project in-detail

Reflective water features and memorial walls of natural stone create a contemplative environment that honors Palestinian narratives through the use of concrete and glass, serving as a significant space for community remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective water features are integrated to enhance visitor contemplation and connection.
02
Natural stone walls are inscribed with personal narratives to honor individual experiences.
03
The design incorporates large glass panels that frame significant views of historic landmarks.
04
The layout facilitates a flow that guides visitors through a structured emotional journey.
05
Concrete is utilized as a primary material to symbolize permanence and resilience.
The architectural project "Path of Pain and Hope" serves as a memorial dedicated to the Palestinian experiences surrounding the events of Nakba in 1948. Located in proximity to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the project is designed to honor the struggles faced by the Palestinian population. This memorial emphasizes dual themes of pain and resilience, providing a space for reflection and remembrance while promoting a sense of hope for the future.

The design integrates closely with the site’s natural topography, enhancing its relationship with the surrounding environment. The architectural layout comprises interconnected spaces that guide visitors through a narrative journey, weaving together personal stories and collective memories.

Spatially, the project features an entrance that transitions visitors from the outside world to an introspective atmosphere. This leads into the main hall, the heart of the memorial, where multimedia displays and individual narratives allow for deeper engagement with the subject matter. Reflection ponds are strategically placed, encouraging contemplation and symbolizing renewal. Additionally, memorial walls display inscriptions and stories, serving as a physical connection to the events commemorated within the space.

Innovative design approaches distinguish this project from similar memorials. The use of concrete signifies permanence and endurance, while glass panels connect the interior to the views of significant landmarks, facilitating an ongoing dialogue between past and present. The incorporation of water features enriches the sensory experience, inviting visitors to pause and reflect. Artistic elements, such as murals portraying cultural resilience, further enhance the narrative without overshadowing the primary themes of the memorial.

The architectural decisions made within "Path of Pain and Hope" emphasize both remembrance and hope, avoiding overwhelming sorrow while fostering a deep understanding of the Palestinian experience. The thoughtful configuration of spaces, along with the meaningful use of materials, creates a cohesive narrative that invites visitors to engage deeply with both the memorial and the history it represents.

For a detailed examination of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further insights into its architectural ideas and overall execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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