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Pixelated Column and Void Space Creating Community Remembrance

Author:
Samaya Competition
Pixelated Column and Void Space Creating Community Remembrance
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A pixelated column rises toward the sky, surrounded by void spaces and sloped planes that engage the community in a somber remembrance of the Tamil Genocide.
5 key facts about this project
01
The memorial integrates three distinct elements to represent oppression, survival, and aftermath.
02
A pixelated column dissolves upwards, symbolizing hope amid loss.
03
The design includes sloped surfaces that guide emotional reflection.
04
Surrounding voids enhance community engagement and contemplation.
05
The site serves as a gathering space for commemorative events.

The Ninaivu Memorial is located in Chinguacousy Park, Brampton, Canada. It pays tribute to the victims of the Tamil Genocide during the Sri Lankan Civil War. This memorial is designed to honor those who lost their lives and to raise awareness about the historical struggles faced by the Tamil community. The design includes three distinct elements that guide visitors through the experiences of oppression, survival, and contemplation.

Paragon of Oppression

The first element, the Paragon of Oppression, features two large planes that create a narrow pathway leading to a stairway. This layout emphasizes the heaviness of the historical violence inflicted on the Tamil community. As people move through the constricted space, they are surrounded by a sense of confinement. This design encourages visitors to reflect on the difficult past and the challenges that the community has faced over time.

Paragon of Survivors

The next element is the Paragon of Survivors, marked by a pixelated column that rises toward the sky. This column symbolizes hope and resilience as it transforms from a solid base into a more open form. By ascending visually, it represents the journey of healing and remembrance. Visitors are encouraged to recognize and honor the lives lost while also thinking about the strength of those who survived. The structure invites engagement, establishing a deeper emotional connection.

Paragon of Aftermath

The final component, the Paragon of Aftermath, includes a slope and a tilted wall that enclose the monument. This design creates an open void, allowing space for thought and reflection. Visitors can engage with their feelings of loss and consider the lasting effects of the genocide. The arrangement of solid forms against empty space prompts a quiet understanding of the memorial's significance, encouraging introspection about the impact of such historical events.

The memorial also serves as a community space for the Tamil population, allowing for various gatherings and events. This design allows for a shared sense of identity among community members. The three elements work together to provide a cohesive narrative, grounding the themes of remembrance in personal and collective experiences.

The pixelated column stands out with its soft edges, shifting form, and elevation. It contrasts with the heavy planes of the Paragon of Oppression, suggesting a narrative of loss and resilience. This balance of form and space creates a significant representation of the community's ongoing journey.

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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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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

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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