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Nature-Integrated Design Featuring Perforated Brick and Circular Chambers for Reflective Remembrance

Authors:
Jing Hui, Khushboo Sood
Nature-Integrated Design Featuring Perforated Brick and Circular Chambers for Reflective Remembrance

Project in-detail

Constructed with perforated brick and organic forms, the design creates a seamless connection with nature while offering a tranquil environment for reflection and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated brick to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
02
Incorporates circular chambers designed for individual reflection and privacy.
03
Features a central garden with a serene pond for contemplation.
04
Integrates gentle ramps to ensure accessibility throughout the structure.
05
Emphasizes a seamless connection with the surrounding forest landscape.
The Columbarium at the Forest Cemetery in Riga, Latvia, represents a thoughtful architectural approach to memorialization. This structure serves to honor the deceased while providing a comforting environment for the living. It embodies a conceptual framework focused on the relationship between death and nature, creating a serene space for reflection and remembrance amidst the forested landscape.

The design consists of two interlocking oval forms that create a sheltered inner garden, representing the cycle of life and death. This architectural form integrates naturally with the surrounding environment, ensuring that the building does not overpower the landscape but rather complements it. The interior is organized to facilitate a contemplative journey, allowing visitors to move through the space in a manner that reflects personal grief and remembrance.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of this project is its commitment to integrating nature into the design. The building's organic shapes echo the undulating terrain of the forest, fostering a harmonious balance between architecture and the natural world. This connection is further enhanced through the use of natural materials, such as reinforced concrete, perforated brick, toughened glass, natural stone, and wood. Each material has been selected for its functional properties and its ability to create a sympathetic aesthetic that resonates with the themes of the project.

Furthermore, the strategic placement of windows and created openings allows for soft, diffused light to permeate the interior spaces, enhancing the atmosphere of calm and reflection. These design choices create a dynamic relationship between light and shadow, further enriching the experience of visitors as they journey through the building.

Functional Spaces and Architectural Details

The Columbarium’s internal configuration includes various dedicated chambers for the interment of ashes, arranged to promote privacy and introspection. The gentle circulation path leads visitors through the building, culminating in a tranquil garden area featuring a pond. This central feature acts as a focal point for visitors, providing an additional space for contemplation and connection to nature.

Accessibility is another crucial aspect of the design, with the inclusion of sloped pathways that ensure ease of movement for all individuals, regardless of mobility challenges. This thoughtful design consideration reflects a commitment to inclusivity, making the Columbarium a welcoming space for all visitors.

For those seeking to delve deeper into the intricacies of this architectural project, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs. These elements will offer further insights into the architectural ideas that informed this project, enhancing understanding of the unique approach taken in creating this space for remembrance.
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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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