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Rammed Earth and Gravel Embrace in a Contemplative Columbarium

Authors:
Marzena Stasik, Janusz Ziobrowski
Rammed Earth and Gravel Embrace in a Contemplative Columbarium
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Constructed from rammed earth and washed gravel, the columbarium offers a serene environment for reflection, harmonizing with the natural landscape while addressing themes of memory and loss.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides a natural, textural quality.
02
Elevated and recessed forms create dynamic negative spaces for reflection.
03
Light enters through strategically placed openings, enhancing emotional experiences.
04
Integration of native vegetation fosters a connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Washed gravel pathways seamlessly connect the columbarium to the forest.

The columbarium known as "Chamber of Memories" is located in the historically significant Riga Forest Cemetery. It serves as a space for remembrance and reflection, exploring deep themes related to death and loss. The design concept emphasizes the relationship between built forms and the natural environment, creating a setting for visitors to navigate their emotions.

Spatial Composition
The layout features geometric shapes like squares, circles, and rectangles arranged with care. Some forms are elevated while others are recessed, creating a dialogue between them. These changes in elevation produce negative spaces that define areas for quiet reflection. Visitors can easily move through the structure, experiencing different feelings as they transition from solitude to shared moments of remembrance.

Light and Shadow
Natural light plays an important role in shaping the experience within the columbarium. Openings in the structure allow daylight to enter from various angles. The interaction of light and shadow adds depth to the spatial qualities, enabling visitors to engage with the space in different ways throughout the day. Sunlight filtering through enhances the atmosphere, creating a setting that encourages contemplation.

Integration with Nature
The columbarium is closely tied to its surrounding landscape, which includes gentle meadows and tall evergreen trees. This connection to nature is essential in creating a calming environment. The design strives to make the experience of remembrance relatable and grounding, compelling visitors to reflect on their memories while being embraced by the tranquility of the outdoors.

Materiality
The use of cement-stabilized rammed earth lends a sturdy and textured surface to the columbarium. This material choice signifies themes of permanence and memory. Polished concrete elements are incorporated to ensure durability and maintain a visual connection to existing structures in the cemetery. The site features washed gravel, which helps blend the built environment with the natural landscape, reinforcing the unity between architecture and nature.

As visitors explore the spaces, they find moments of stillness. The interplay of light, the tactile surfaces, and the presence of nature work together, providing a rich and meaningful experience of remembrance.

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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
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