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Porous Glass Walls and Steel Frames in a Memory-Driven Visitor Space

Authors:
Cait Mccarthy, Jordan Young
Porous Glass Walls and Steel Frames in a Memory-Driven Visitor Space

Project in-detail

Porous glass walls and a dynamic steel frame create a serene setting for reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to engage with personal artifacts in a thoughtfully landscaped museum dedicated to memory.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum incorporates porous glass walls that enhance transparency and connection with the surrounding nature.
02
A dynamic steel frame structure supports the building while allowing for flexible interior spaces.
03
Landscaped pathways encourage leisurely exploration and reflective engagement with memorial elements.
04
Personal artifacts are displayed within integrated memorial walls, allowing for intimate connections to memories.
05
The design harmonizes modern materials with cultural remembrance practices specific to Latvia.
The Memory Museum is an architectural project that explores the interplay between memory and communal spaces, particularly in the context of loss and remembrance. Designed with sensitivity to both individual experiences and cultural significance, the museum serves as a vital medium for reflection on personal histories and collective memories. Located within an evocative natural landscape in Latvia, the structure aims to harmonize with its surroundings, allowing visitors to engage with both nature and memory.

At its core, the Memory Museum represents a sanctuary where visitors can connect with the past through curated artifacts and personal items. It encourages an ongoing dialogue about memory, affording individuals a space to honor their loved ones while promoting a shared experience of remembrance. The design encompasses various functions, including exhibition areas for personal artifacts, spaces for communal gatherings, and retreat areas for solitude, thus addressing diverse visitor needs.

The architectural design is characterized by a thoughtful composition that emphasizes openness and fluidity. The museum is framed with large glass panels, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a seamless connection with the outside environment. This transparency serves to demystify the process of remembrance, transforming what can often feel like a stark experience into a moment of solace and reflection. The use of materials such as steel, wood, and concrete further strengthens this connection to the natural world, combining modernity with warmth and tactile engagement.

An essential aspect of the design is the incorporation of porous walls, which are pivotal in the memorialization aspect of the museum. These walls are not merely structural elements but serve as intimate holders of memories, where urns, mementos, and offerings can be displayed. This innovative approach allows visitors to engage with personal memories directly, fostering an atmosphere where individual stories can coexist within the larger narrative of collective remembrance.

The layout of the Memory Museum is crafted to guide visitors through a journey of exploration and reflection. Pathways meander through thoughtfully landscaped grounds that enhance the experience of connection to nature. This integration of landscaping is not incidental; it invites visitors to take their time, to walk, pause, and reflect on their own experiences related to loss and memory. The design acknowledges that grief exists on a spectrum and creates spaces that cater to different emotional needs, whether it be through the communal areas for gatherings or secluded spots for personal contemplation.

Unique design approaches used in the Memory Museum include a responsive use of space that adapts to the varied experiences of its users. This allows for flexible functions, accommodating both large group activities and private moments of solitude. The structure is designed to be an environment that transcends mere architectural form; it reflects emotional resonance, actively engaging with the complexities of human memory.

The architectural outcome focuses on creating a space that not only serves its functional purpose but also fosters cultural representation. In preserving local traditions of remembrance, the museum becomes a critical site for ongoing cultural dialogues about memory and identity. The use of sustainable practices throughout the design further underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting a consciousness that prioritizes both the human experience and ecological considerations.

For those interested in diving deeper into the architectural elements of the Memory Museum, a detailed examination of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas employed within this project is highly encouraged. This exploration will provide valuable insights into the thoughtful approaches that shape the user experience and highlight the nuanced relationship between architecture and memory.
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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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