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Reflecting Pool and Keffiyeh Patterns in a Cultural Memorial

Authors:
Mustafa Gaber, Zohear Abughalyuon
Reflecting Pool and Keffiyeh Patterns in a Cultural Memorial

Project in-detail

Engraved keffiyeh patterns and a reflecting pool serve as powerful symbols in a memorial that honors the Palestinian narrative through contemplative spaces and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflecting pool symbolizes ongoing resistance and connection to the landscape.
02
Keffiyeh pattern wall element connects cultural identity with architectural form.
03
Remembrance Chamber displays names of thousands of martyrs for personal reflection.
04
Graffiti Court provides space for local artists to express contemporary resistance.
05
Spatial arrangement enhances visitor engagement through a journey of reflection.

The architectural design presents a memorial that articulates the historical and cultural experiences of Palestinians, particularly focusing on the events surrounding the Nakba that began in 1948. Situated close to the Aqsa Mosque, the memorial forms a cohesive experience for visitors through a series of integrated spaces that encourage contemplation and reflection. The design leverages a brutalist aesthetic, creating a firm connection to both its context and the significant narratives it aims to convey.

Spatial Flow

The layout comprises interconnected areas including an Entry, Introductory Hall, Land Dispossession Hall, and Remembrance Chamber. This careful arrangement guides visitors through an immersive journey, where each space plays a specific role. The transition from one area to another fosters engagement and deepens understanding of the historical context, allowing visitors to connect more intimately with the past.



Material Characteristics

While the presentation does not specify materials, the design embodies a brutalist approach that conveys strength and permanence. The structure features a strong, textured surface that reflects the weight of the narrative it supports. This use of material not only gives the memorial a solid presence but also invites visitors to confront the realities of the Palestinian experience.



Symbolic Features

Notable components of the memorial include the Remembrance Chamber, where names of thousands of martyrs are inscribed on the walls. This feature brings a personal touch to the historical narrative. Statues of significant figures, such as Mohamed Al Doura and Fares Udah, enhance this impact by serving as enduring symbols of resistance. Together, these elements create a unique environment that honors individual sacrifices within a larger story of struggle.



Community Interaction

External features such as a permeable wall patterned after a keffiyeh carry cultural significance. This wall, engraved with a key, symbolizes Palestinian identity and displacement. The Graffiti Court acts as an engaging space for local artists, allowing contemporary creative expressions of resistance to form a dialogue with the historical themes represented in the memorial.



The design culminates in a reflecting pool, which interacts with the surrounding environment and signifies ongoing resistance. As visitors move throughout the memorial, shifts in wall height and texture encourage deeper engagement with the poignant narratives of persistence and memory. This thoughtful approach fosters an experience that resonates on both emotional and cultural levels, grounding the architectural space in lived history.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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