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Reflecting Resilience Through Brutalism and Engaging Graffiti

Authors:
Mustafa Gaber, Zohear Abughalyuon
Reflecting Resilience Through Brutalism and Engaging Graffiti
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A brutalist memorial with inscribed martyrs' names and a reflective pool engages visitors in the Palestinian narrative of resilience and hope while housing spaces for artistic expression and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pool captures the surrounding cityscape, symbolizing hope and resilience.
02
Brutalist design mirrors the harsh realities faced by the Palestinian people.
03
Remembrance Chamber features names of martyrs, inviting personal reflection.
04
Graffiti Court allows local artists to express contemporary resistance narratives.
05
Path of Pain and Hope guides visitors through a journey of memory and emotion.

The design located northeast of the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem serves as a memorial to the Palestinian experience. It reflects over 75 years of struggle and resilience through its carefully organized spaces. The intention is to take visitors through a journey that intertwines remembrance with hope. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to highlight the emotional aspects of the Palestinian narrative.

Path of Pain and Hope

Central to the memorial is the theme of "Path of Pain and Hope." This theme captures the complex feelings of suffering and strength present in the Palestinian story. The layout features various areas, including the Entry, Introductory Hall, and other chambers. Each space is designed to provoke specific emotions and foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

Remembrance Chamber and Graffiti Court

The Remembrance Chamber stands at the heart of the memorial, with martyrs' names inscribed on its walls. This space invites reflection and personal engagement, allowing visitors to connect with individual stories within broader historical themes. Just steps away, the Graffiti Court serves as a platform for local artists. It showcases contemporary expressions of resistance, adding a lively element that encourages ongoing dialogue and interaction with cultural sentiments.

Architectural Language and Aesthetic

The design employs a brutalist aesthetic marked by straight lines and solid forms, reflecting the harsh realities of Palestinian life. This choice of style reinforces the memorial's purpose, guiding movement and contemplation. The stark visual presence enhances the overall experience while paying respect to the profound history it represents.

Reflecting Pool

Finally, a reflecting pool concludes the visit through the memorial. This feature symbolizes lasting resilience and captures the surrounding scenery in its still water. Visitors can observe the reflections, which serve as a reminder of hope. The interplay of water and landscape invites deeper engagement with the narratives that shape the Palestinian experience, leaving a clear impression of the connection between memory and aspiration.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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