Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Natural Light-Infused Spaces with Structural Concrete and Engaging Exhibition Rooms

Author:
Adrian Richter Sibila
Natural Light-Infused Spaces with Structural Concrete and Engaging Exhibition Rooms

Project in-detail

Natural light filters through expansive glass surfaces while structural concrete anchors engaging exhibition rooms that foster community reflection and dialogue in a key memorial space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural concrete to create a robust memorial framework.
02
Incorporates extensive glass surfaces to enhance natural lighting.
03
Features multiple exhibition rooms dedicated to Baltic history.
04
Design promotes seamless integration with the surrounding urban landscape.
05
Includes community spaces that encourage ongoing civic engagement.
The Baltic Way Memorial project, located in Riga, Latvia, serves as a commemorative site marking the significant historical event of the Baltic Way protest in 1989. This peaceful demonstration involved approximately two million people joining hands across the three Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—to assert their aspirations for independence and unity. The memorial acts as both a tribute to this pivotal moment in history and a cultural hub that integrates historical reflection with contemporary community life.

Design and Functionality

The design of the Baltic Way Memorial emphasizes connectivity and interaction. The memorial pathway is strategically conceptualized to link the Museum of Occupation of Latvia with public spaces, such as cafes and shops, inviting daily use beyond mere visitation. The intent is to create not just a site of remembrance but also an active civic environment fostering community engagement. Visitors can utilize the pathway to navigate comfortably while absorbing the historical narratives presented throughout the site.

Exhibition spaces play a central role in the project's function. The layout includes three distinct exhibition rooms that focus on various themes related to the Baltic Way and the broader context of Baltic history. These rooms are designed to enhance accessibility and encourage contemplation, with careful attention to visitor flow. This arrangement facilitates an immersive experience that highlights the interconnected histories of the Baltic States.

Innovative Design Elements

What sets the Baltic Way Memorial apart from other commemorative projects is its integration of natural and built environments. The designer incorporates green spaces and landscaped areas throughout the site, promoting a harmonious relationship between the memorial and nature. This approach emphasizes tranquility while providing spaces for reflection and community gatherings.

The architectural design prioritizes transparency and light, utilizing materials such as glass and concrete to create open, inviting spaces. This design choice serves not only aesthetic purposes but also enhances the overall experience by allowing natural light to flood the interiors, making the exhibitions more engaging.

Moreover, the inclusion of flexible community spaces, including cafes and shops, fosters ongoing dialogue among visitors and local residents. These features encourage active participation and daily use of the site, transforming potential visitors into community stakeholders and further embedding the memorial within the cultural fabric of Riga.

Exploring the Baltic Way Memorial is essential for gaining deeper insights into its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas. Engage with the elements of the project to appreciate how it effectively merges historical significance and contemporary urban life.
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 17,249 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