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Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Openings in a Reflective Memorial Space

Author:
Chiarini Claudio
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Openings in a Reflective Memorial Space
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Rammed earth walls and strategically placed zenith openings create a serene memorial space that emphasizes memory and reflection while fostering a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass and environmental integration.
02
Zenith openings create a unique interplay of natural light throughout the day.
03
The design includes 500 niches for urns, promoting community remembrance.
04
The tree of life serves as a central symbolic element within the memorial.
05
Natural materials blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape for harmony.

The memorial space is located in diverse settings like Mangalsala and Daugavgrīva. Its main aim is to offer a place for reflection and remembrance. The design captures the relationship between enclosed areas and open pathways, symbolizing the connection between the past and present. The focus is on creating an environment that allows visitors to engage deeply with their memories and the natural world.

Construction Technique

A reinforced plywood framework supports layers of moist earth, ensuring stability and durability. This construction method highlights the use of natural materials, resulting in a design that resonates with the surrounding landscape. The walls are made of rammed earth, also known as Pisé, which adds texture and a sensory quality to the space.

Light Integration

Natural light is thoughtfully integrated through zenith openings in the walls. These openings allow light to filter inside, creating a calm atmosphere that invites contemplation. This interplay of light throughout the day enhances the experience for visitors, emphasizing the memorial's connection to the environment and the changing moments of daily life.

Columbarium Design

The design includes a columbarium with 500 niches, organized across various buildings. Each niche can hold one to four urns, accommodating different memorialization needs. This arrangement fosters accessibility and a sense of community, encouraging meaningful interactions among visitors as they honor those they have lost.

Symbolic Elements

Central to the design is the tree of life, which serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and resilience. It intertwines spiritual and earthly elements, representing the cycle of life and memory. This feature adds depth to the overall narrative of the space, inviting visitors to reflect on existence and the passage of time.

The rammed earth walls interact with light, creating a peaceful ambiance. Soft pathways guide visitors through the space, encouraging quiet contemplation as they navigate memories and emotions.

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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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Competition organisers

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

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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