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Natural Light and Concrete Unity in a Tranquil Memorial Space

Author:
Svetlana Zyubina
Natural Light and Concrete Unity in a Tranquil Memorial Space
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A silhouette inspired by trees and constructed primarily from concrete, this tranquil space honors memory and reflection, providing a serene environment for commemorating loved ones.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by tree silhouettes, the design fosters a direct connection with nature.
02
Light-colored pedestals enhance the integration with the surrounding landscape.
03
Dedicated niches for candles or mementos personalize the reflection experience.
04
Public gathering spaces encourage communal mourning and support.
05
Constructed primarily from durable concrete for longevity and stability.

The design of the funeral complex centers around creating a peaceful environment for remembrance and reflection. Located within a carefully chosen natural setting, the complex integrates with its surroundings, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the space. The overall design concept emphasizes calmness and unity, providing a supportive atmosphere for those mourning and honoring their departed loved ones.

Design Inspiration
The architecture is inspired by the form of a tree, emphasizing its trunk, branches, and roots. This connection to nature symbolizes continuity and interconnectedness, highlighting the relationship between life and death. By using this imagery, the design conveys the significance of memory and the bond between the living and those who have passed on.

Spatial Organization
The layout features distinct areas that encourage personal interactions. A public gathering space is provided for family and friends, complete with benches, appropriate lighting, and landscaped elements. This space is designed for both farewells and celebrations of life, serving as a vital part of the overall experience.

Material Selection
Material choices are important, focusing on durability and a cohesive aesthetic. Solid concrete is the primary material, valued for its strength and long-lasting qualities, making it suitable for a space dedicated to memory. Pine is used for its warmth and appealing texture, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. Steel elements are included for structural stability, while glass is used to create a sense of lightness and openness.

As visitors explore the complex, they encounter storage units for urns, each designed with a niche for candles or personal items. This detail reinforces the personal connections to those who have passed, encapsulating the theme of remembrance that runs throughout the design.

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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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